Nine Furlongs
Epic Himalayan views,
Characterful cottages
Adventurers,
Couples,
Solos
Perched at an altitude of 2,400m in the Himalayan foothills of Binsar National Park, Nine Furlongs is a remarkable place with an extraordinary history in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand.
The journey to the hotel is an adventure, as it is only accessible via a 1.8km (‘nine furlongs’) dirt track, either as a bumpy off-road drive or as a pleasant countryside stroll. The journey’s reward is a small collection of cottages in a beautifully remote setting with incredible views of the Nanda Devi range of the mighty Himalayas. The morning views of those almighty and sacred peaks are awe-inspiring.
For those who appreciate an off-the-beaten-track adventure with the reward of a unique, peaceful, and beautiful setting with a wealth of history, we cannot recommend Nine Furlongs highly enough. Did we mention the views… ?
The experience is further enhanced by the hotel’s history and the stories of previous proprietors and guests. Formerly owned by an Indian philosopher and his Belgian wife, Nine Furlongs hosted an array of brilliant minds, including a famous Italian writer, a Hindi poet, Bob Dylan, Tim Leary, and a young Uma Thurman (with her father, the philosopher, Robert Thurman).
The hotel offers plenty of activities to help you enjoy the surrounding nature and glorious scenery. Bird walks, treks to nearby viewpoints, and visiting a local homestay (for lunch or a beautiful overnight experience) all build a picture of the area. We’d certainly recommend taking advantage of these experiences, but make sure you leave time to relax and get lost in the epic views with a cup of tea.
The Rooms
Guests can stay in one of the standalone cottages or one of the bedrooms in the main house. Each cottage has a different feel, with two slightly more rustic than the third; each has high-quality furnishings and log fireplaces, creating a cosy and fitting atmosphere for the location.
Power is solar-generated, which is adequate but means there are no showers, and guests wash the old-fashioned way from an antique brass bucket filled with hot water in a beautiful bathroom. The rustic touches don’t detract from the experience, and we love the lack of compromise and clarity about who this hotel suits.
We love it, and we think you will too.
What You’ll Find:
Why You'll Love It:
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