Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
20 Jan 2026
Reply rate
100.0 %
Usually responds within 1 day
Feedback
42
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Badges (4)
Details
Description
Aloha Workawayers!
Welcome to the mountains of Uttarakhand, India.
About us: NamaStay Himalayas is more than a place to stay. Along with hosting travelers, we run a small handicraft store and are building a community space for learning, especially for local children and women. Workawayers play an important role in supporting this growing ecosystem.
Why Choose us?
1. Stunning Location
Nestled in the peaceful Himalayas, just 46 miles (75 km) from Rishikesh, offers a perfect blend of tranquility and accessibility. Enjoy the serene beauty of the Himalayas while being close to the vibrant spiritual and adventure-filled town of Rishikesh.
Our place has served many purposes throughout the years. Originally built as a storage facility for farming supplies from the apple orchard, it was later repurposed as a primary school before being transformed into a cozy and comfortable retreat for travellers.
2. A Creative & Learning Community
This is a place where skills are shared. Workawayers contribute through art, writing, music, gardening, or teaching. We also work closely with the local community, creating learning opportunities for children and women through workshops, craft sessions, and everyday interactions.
3. Handicrafts & Local Skills
Workawayers may help with craft workshops, documentation, displays, or storytelling, helping local work reach more people.
4. Wellness & Slow Living
Yoga, meditation, and mindful living are encouraged, not forced. The mountains naturally invite reflection, balance, and rest.
5. Unique Volunteer Experience: Unlike typical volunteer roles, this is a chance to engage in meaningful, creative work. Whether you're painting murals on the walls, hosting art workshops, or sharing music with guests, your time will be a unique and fulfilling experience that stays with you long after you leave.
6. Meaningful Contribution: Your contributions will not only enrich the lives of our guests but will also play a role in creating a chance to give back while doing something you love— helping others connect.
We feel that everyone has something to share. Please feel free to write to us for any project you are interested in.
About us:
Our team is a diverse, and welcoming group of individuals dedicated to creating a peaceful and inspiring environment for both guests and volunteers.
1) Local Expertise: Our team includes locals who provide insightful knowledge of the region, ensuring a genuine, immersive experience for everyone.
2) Creative Collaborators: From artists and musicians to yoga instructors and event organizers, our team nurtures a space where creativity flourishes. Whether you’re an artist seeking inspiration or a musician sharing your craft, we’re here to support your creative journey.
3) Wellness Practices: We emphasize holistic well-being, with wellness experts guiding yoga and meditation practices that help you reconnect with yourself and nature.
4) Sustainable Farming Project: We’re excited to be in the early stages of a small farming initiative. While the project is still developing, it’s an opportunity for us to learn about permaculture, contribute to our sustainability goals, and help shape the future of our farm.
We’re looking for passionate and creative volunteers to join our team! Here’s how you can get involved:
1) Writers & Storytellers – Social media or documentation / Photographers & Videographers – Capture stories
2) Art & Craft – Murals, workshops, handicraft sessions
3) Community Learning Support – Skills learning activities for children and women
4) Gardening & Farming – Learning and helping with small-scale farming
5) Guest Experience Support – Hosting, organizing activities, helping guests feel at home
6) Yoga & Wellness Guides – Yoga, meditation, mindfulness sessions
7) Music & Performance Artists – Sharing music, small gatherings, jam sessions
Please feel free to write to us for details.
We will assist you to find an opportunity to volunteer as per your skills, interest, and temperament.
Thank you!
Types of help and learning opportunities
Charity Work
Art Projects
Help with Eco Projects
Teaching
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Farmstay help
Help around the house
Hospitality/Tourism
General Maintenance
Help with Computers/ Internet
Interests
Sustainability
Pets
Self development
Farming
Charity work
Music
History
DIY & crafts
Books
Art & design
Photography
Animals
Gardening
Writing
Outdoor activities
Yoga / Wellness
Nature
Mountain
Hiking
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
🌍 Nurture cultural sensitivity through shared, cross-cultural experiences
🏡 Gain insight into everyday life in rural Himalayan villages
🍲 Discover local food, traditional arts, and handmade crafts
🌱 Take part in nature-led initiatives that encourage care for the environment
🧘♀️ Share and deepen your yoga, meditation, and mindfulness practice in a calm mountain setting
🌿 Reconnect with nature and slower rhythms of living
📚 Spend meaningful time with local children through skill-sharing and learning exchanges
🧭 Explore personal interests or career paths through hands-on, purpose-driven experiences
Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
Help
🎨 Paint Murals & Visual Art
Help transform walls into storytelling spaces through murals, illustrations, and creative expression that reflects mountain life and community values.
🎥 Create Meaningful Videos
Document daily life, community activities, learning sessions, and forest care through thoughtful videos (reels, short films, stories).
📚 Teach Children
Support English language learning, basic computer skills, music, outdoor skills and creative learning for local children in a relaxed, friendly way.
🌱 Build Community Learning
Be part of a space where learning is shared — not just with travelers, but with and for the local community, especially women and children.
🧹 Clean-Up & Waste Awareness
Join and help organize clean-up drives, waste segregation, and plastic awareness activities, keeping forests and village spaces clean and respected.
Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Hindi: FluentThis 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
The accommodation provided for each location is as follows:
~ Shared Rooms or Dormitories: Workawayers often stay in shared spaces with other volunteers, which fosters a sense of community. Rooms are typically simple but comfortable.
~ Private Rooms: Depending on availability, there may be opportunities for volunteers to stay in private rooms, especially if you have specific needs or if the stay is not at full capacity.
~ Tented Accommodation: Camping is also possible if the Workawayers wishes to pitch a tent in the apple orchard.
Please feel free to write to us for details.
Thank you!
What else ...
Here's a list of things to do during your stay:
Hiking & Nature Walks (Surkunda Devi Temple hike, Kaudia forest),
Birding,
Sunset Views,
Yoga & Meditation,
Local Village Visits,
Local sightseeing,
Shopping for handicrafts,
Peaceful natural surroundings, read a book, or simply relax
Some top places to visit near Kanatal:
Tehri Lake – Ideal for boating and water sports.
Mussoorie – Popular hill station with stunning views and Kempty Falls.
Dhanaulti – Quiet hill station with trekking, eco parks, and Surkanda Devi Temple.
New Tehri – Known for the Tehri Dam and nearby attractions.
Rishikesh – Spiritual hub, famous for yoga, rafting, and Ganga Aarti.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
Yes
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
My animals / pets
Julie (3 years)
Hachi (7 years)
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
Feedback (24)
They supported in the kitchen, assisted with cleaning, learning with kids and even contributed to painting tasks,… read more
They helped with art projects, supported in the kitchen,… read more
We’re truly grateful for his presence, his warmth, and his contributions over these… read more
Photos
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(5.0)
Cultural exchange:
(4.9)
Communication:
(5.0)
They supported in the kitchen, assisted with cleaning, learning with kids and even contributed to painting tasks,… read more
They helped with art projects, supported in the kitchen,… read more
We’re truly grateful for his presence, his warmth, and his contributions over these… read more
He embraced every part of the experience—helping with the potatoes, spending quality time with the kids, and engaging with everyone around with genuine warmth. He radiated positivity, moved through each day with calm energy, and showed a deep, intuitive understanding of people.
We're truly grateful for all his help and good… read more
We’re truly grateful for her time with us. Any future host would be… read more
私は3週間弱、に滞在しました。
その中で、私は一生忘れない楽しく有意義な毎日を過ごしました。
まずは、何よりも”人”との関わりが最高でした。オーナーのYudishとNidhiはとても優しく、人間的にとても深い方達でした。2人と毎日のように、人生や文化、仕事のことなど様々な意見を交換する中で、多くの新たな発見や驚きがあり、毎日が輝いていました。また、SenjuとManneという現在大学生の私とほとんど年齢の変わらない2人といっぱい遊んだし、優しくしてもらいました。特に、この２人が作るご飯はすごくおいしく… read more
One of the highlights was when he taught us how to make sushi—his skills and patience made it a truly special experience for everyone. Beyond that, Hiroki was a great help with painting a wall with other volunteers. He also engaged effortlessly with our guests, making them feel welcome and at home.… read more
We’re so grateful for his… read more
It… read more
Diane, we… read more
Beyond his skills, Connor was a pleasure to… read more
Thank you Martin & Tana!
We spent with Yudish, Sanju, Anil and the rest of the gang one month, in which we painted cottages, designed and painted murals at the entrance, cut some weeds, helped around kitchen,… read more
We only stayed for one week but the place quickly started feeling like home. Yudish is a great host who welcomed us warmheartedly and with whom we could talk about anything. His close friend Sanju cooked most of the delicious meals and taught us his recipes, as well as spent time with us playing guitar or mind straining… read more
Regards… read more
With love and light
rakes
We are glad that they have done some great work as volunteers, helping with the garden, kitchen, art, and spending time with kids. It's wonderful that they have been able to contribute their time and skills to… read more
George is an absolute gift. We loved being his hosts. He doesn't shy away from work. He is soft spoken. He is an early riser and love oats. What more could we ask for :blush:
The days he spent here were very special. Daily tasks got easier as he shared responsibility. He contributed by painting for us, be present in… read more
Loved the way she kept an altar in the room and made it heavenly.
Thank you.
Ubermensch, accoriding to Zarathustra.
We love you Mauro for your great energy and the understanding us without words. Your efforts for raising crowd funding for (Parvati Garthi) didi was incredible as it created a hope to live upto the dreams for them. A high energy soul who helped us in many way and the one of the brother's of us from… read more
The job was really nice, in contact with the children, customers and all the necessary things. Guys, I will come back with the same or more energy to continue improving your incredible and nobly… read more
One month with both of you have been wonderful.
From making dreamcatchers, to pumpkin bread, to amazing geometric patterns on the entire roof, to painting the house, to restoring the stairs case with art, to the amazing banners and capoeira sessions. We had your support all the way through and not to forget Caro's… read more
This is not just home stay it's family what we found it ..
Best place to past Christmas and New year :blue_heart:
miss u already guys .. hope see u soon again .. good luck and say… read more
It was a great relief to arrive in Kanatal after a hot and slightly stressful month in the south of India. The mountain air was fresh and… read more
We hosted her for a short time. However, we would love to host her again and have a standstill moment listening to the sweet melodies she hums.
Thank you Sara.
I planned to stay there for tree weeks, and we ended up staying eight! And we left the place only because our visa was about to expire.
A beautiful, quite, remote, lovely, friendy place, with amazing people to share with.
Delicious food cooked at home everyday.
Long talks, yoga in the morning, walks, sunsets. What a place!
The… read more
Hosts are really friendly and will help you, before, during and after your amazing experience there. In terms of the volunteering… read more
