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Help us grow a creative homestay in Manali, India

  • Last activity : 17 Jun 2025

Availability

  2025 

 Min stay requested: No minimum

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Details

  • Description

    Description

    Namaste from the heart of the Himalayas! We have 2 paid local staff.

    We’re a young couple running an accommodation business, a peaceful mountain cottage nestled in the beautiful valley of Manali, Himachal Pradesh. we hope to offer a peaceful stay for both to our guests and to the amazing volunteers who stay with us.

    Our cottage is surrounded by lush apple orchards, towering pine trees, and panoramic views of snow-capped peaks. We host travelers from across the world through online platforms .

    🛠 Why We’re on Workaway

    We believe in the power of creativity and community. As we continue shaping our place into a more artistic, sustainable, and welcoming space, we’re looking for passionate Workawayers who can help us along the way.

    Whether you’re a creative soul, a nature enthusiast, or a digital wizard—we have a corner for you!

    🌱 Who We're Looking For:

    We’re open to ideas and collaborations, but we especially welcome those with skills in:

    🎨 Wall Artists & Mural Painters – Help turn our blank walls into photo-worthy backdrops.

    🌿 Gardeners & Nature-Lovers – To help us maintain and beautify our green spaces.

    📸 Photographers & Videographers – Showcase our property through reels, short films, and visuals.

    💻 Digital Marketers & Social Media Creators – Help us grow online through Instagram, optimization, and more.

    🛠️ DIY Builders or Upcyclers – Those who can build or repurpose creatively using wood, stone, or metal.

    🧘‍♂️ What You’ll Get:

    A cozy stay in the Himalayas with home-style food

    Free time to explore Manali, hike, or simply relax

    A chance to leave your creative mark on a real place

    Reliable Wi-Fi and peaceful surroundings—ideal for digital nomads too

    We aim to keep the vibe casual, respectful, and collaborative. You’re not just a worker here—you become part of our family.

    Let us build something beautiful together—brick by brick, brushstroke by brushstroke.

  • Types of help and learning opportunities

    Types of help and learning opportunities

    Art Projects
    Help with Eco Projects
    Teaching
    Gardening
    DIY and building projects
    Farmstay help
    Help around the house
    Hospitality/Tourism
    General Maintenance
  • Interests

    Interests

    Farming
    Events & social
    Culture
    Charity work
    Plant care
    Photography
    Music
    Languages
    History
    Gardening
    Cooking & food
    Carpentry
    Books
    Astronomy
    Art & design
    Animals
    Yoga / Wellness
    Winter sports
    Water sports
    Team sports
    Outdoor activities
    Nature
    Mountain
    Hiking
    Fitness
    Dancing
    Cycling
    Camping
    Beach
    Adventure sports
  • Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    🏔️ 1. Himachali Mountain Culture

    Interaction with local villagers and artisans

    Exposure to Pahadi dialects, traditions, and festivals

    Learn about Himachali architecture—stone, wood, slate-roof structures

    Participate in local customs during seasonal events (like Dussehra in Kullu, apple harvesting, etc.)

    🍲 2. Food & Culinary Exchange

    Experience home-cooked North Indian meals

    Learn to cook Himachali dishes (siddu, madra, babru, etc.)

    Share their own traditional recipes with you—maybe do a food swap dinner night!

    🎨 3. Creative Collaboration

    Wall art and mural painting exchange (artists leave their creative stamp)

    DIY décor projects, upcycled art with local materials like pinecones, stones, wood

    Collaborate on handmade signage or installations that reflect both cultures

    📸 4. Storytelling through Photography/Videography

    Volunteers capture life at through their lens and storytelling styles

    In exchange, they learn how rural hospitality works in India

    You both share perspectives on content creation, Instagram aesthetics, and cultural storytelling

    💬 5. Language Exchange

    You can teach them Hindi basics or phrases in local dialects

    They can help you improve conversational English or other languages (French, Spanish, etc.)

    Great for both parties to build confidence and global perspective

    🧘‍♂️ 6. Wellness & Simplicity of Life

    Learn to slow down and live mindfully in the mountains

    Participate in early morning tea rituals, bonfires, star-gazing nights

    Trade in city chaos for a quiet, introspective experience—and maybe share their own wellness practices like yoga, journaling, or meditation

    🧵 7. Exchange of Skills & Knowledge

    You get new marketing or design inputs

    They get hands-on experience running a hospitality space

    Learn about hosting, guest relations, Indian travel patterns, etc.

    These aren’t just cultural exchanges—they’re meaningful memories. You can include this in your Workaway profile’s “What you can learn from us” or “Cultural exchange” section.

  • Projects involving children

    Projects involving children

    This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.

  • Help

    Help

    🙌 What Kind of Help We Need

    We welcome Workawayers who are enthusiastic, hands-on, and creative. You don’t need to be a professional—just bring your skills, ideas, and good vibes!

    Here’s how you can contribute:

    🎨 1. Artistic Help (Wall Murals / Creative Painting)

    We're turning parts of our property into Instagrammable selfie spots!

    Paint murals or create wall art (nature, culture, typography, etc.)

    Help design artistic signboards or DIY installations

    If you’re a street artist or graphic designer, even better!

    🌿 2. Gardening & Landscaping

    We have a cozy garden area that can use some extra love.

    Maintain existing plants, prune and water

    Help us design new corners with flowers, planters, or stones

    Share ideas for vertical gardens, herbal patches, or even a compost setup

    📸 3. Photography & Videography

    We host amazing guests and have a scenic setup—help us capture it!

    Create content (reels, short videos,)

    Drone footage, guest testimonials, or a video tour of the place

    Professional gear is welcome, but a creative eye matters more

    📱 4. Digital Marketing & Social Media

    Want to help a small homestay grow its online presence?

    Assist with Instagram/Facebook content and strategy

    Help us build simple campaigns or run creative ideas for visibility

    🪚 5. DIY / Upcycling Projects

    If you’re someone who loves working with your hands:

    Repaint or redesign old furniture

    Make rustic decor from scrap materials

    Create garden benches, signs, or quirky pieces from waste wood, tires, etc.

    We’re flexible—if you have other ideas (yoga sessions, music gigs, workshops), pitch them! We’re always open to fresh energy and passion.

    Let me know if you’d like a version in Hindi or a more visual layout for your printed signage or digital promotion.

  • Languages

    Languages spoken
    English: Fluent
    Hindi: Fluent
    Marathi: Fluent

    This host offers a language exchange
    This host has indicated that they are interested in sharing their own language or learning a new language.
    You can contact them directly for more information.

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation

    🛏️ Accommodation We Offer:

    We ensure that our Workawayers have a clean, comfortable, and cozy space to unwind and feel at home.

    ✅ Primary Accommodation (Standard Option):

    1. You’ll be staying in a private bedroom with a shared:
    2. Living room – spacious and homely
    3. Washroom – shared only with us, the hosts (no other guests)

    We’re very particular about hygiene and cleanliness, so you’ll always find the space well-maintained and peaceful. It’s perfect for solo travelers, creatives, or remote workers who enjoy both privacy and a touch of community.

    🏡 Upgraded Stay (On Availability & Conditions):

    We also have a beautiful independent 2BHK cottage on the property, which we occasionally offer to Workawayers if:

    1. You’re working on a longer project (e.g., mural painting, marketing campaigns, etc.)
    2. The cottage is not already booked for guest stays
    3. You’re working as a couple or a team

    This cottage is completely private, offering two bedrooms, a private kitchen, living area, and washroom with stunning views of the Himalayas.

    Let us know your preference when applying—we’re always happy to accommodate when availability allows!

    🍽️ Meals & Food
    We provide 3 simple and tasty vegetarian meals a day as part of the exchange. Expect wholesome home-cooked dishes like:
    Aloo Paratha with curd
    Chole Bhature or Rajma Chawal
    Light meals like bread omelette, pasta, poha, or plain rice with veggies
    Evening chai with local snacks
    Meals are usually shared, but you’re welcome to cook your own if preferred—we’ll provide the kitchen and ingredients. If you enjoy cooking, we'd love to exchange recipes too!

  • A little more information

    A little more information

    • Internet access

    • Limited internet access

      Limited internet access

    • We have pets

    • We are smokers

    • Can host families

  • Can host digital nomads

    Can host digital nomads

    This host has indicated that they love having digital nomads stay.

  • How many Workawayers can stay?

    How many Workawayers can stay?

    More than two

Host ref number: 476318812222

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