Mukteshwar Beyond Tourism: A Look at Local Life & Sustainable Travel

1. Life in the Hills: The Quiet Rhythm of Mukteshwar

Mukteshwar is not a tourist destination trying to be a town—it’s a real community that has embraced tourism without losing its identity. Life here still moves by the seasons and soil. Locals grow apples, plums, potatoes, and rajma. They walk long distances, cook over wood fires, and gather for evening chats as the sun sets.

You’ll see kids in neat school uniforms walking uphill, women carrying grass bundles on their heads, and elders tending to cows and gardens with quiet grace.

Pause and observe. There’s wisdom in the simplicity of hill life that urban life often forgets.

2. Local Economy: Small is Beautiful

Mukteshwar doesn’t have malls or mega marts—and that’s its charm. The economy here thrives on small shops, local produce, homestays, and handcrafted goods. When you stay in a family-run guesthouse, buy jams made from local apricots, or eat at a roadside dhaba, you’re contributing directly to the community.

Sustainable Tip:

• Buy hand-knitted woollens, hand-churned honey, or rhododendron squash from local vendors.
• Avoid over-negotiating—fair prices support livelihoods here.

3. The Need for Responsible Travel

Mukteshwar’s forests and trails are beautiful but fragile. With the rise in tourism, there’s been a noticeable increase in littering, water shortages, and habitat disturbance.

What Not to Do:

• Avoid plastic bottles—carry your own refillable one.
• Don’t play loud music in forest trails or viewpoints.
• Never feed or chase wild animals or birds for photos.

What You Can Do:

• Choose homestays that practice waste segregation or composting.
• Opt for eco-walks instead of motorbike rides.
• Be mindful of water and electricity use during your stay.

4. Experiences That Connect, Not Consume

Instead of rushing through checklist spots, try slowing down and soaking in local experiences. These are not just enjoyable—they’re deeply enriching.

Try This:

• Volunteer on a local farm for a day and learn how apples and potatoes are grown.
• Join a tea session with a local family—ask about their winters, their recipes, their stories.
• Take a workshop in local crafts or folk music if available.

These are the experiences that stay with you longer than selfies.

5. Vanshivat Homestay: A Gentle Footprint in the Hills

One place where sustainability meets comfort is Vanshivat Homestay. Set amidst fruit orchards, this boutique property is more than just a stay—it’s a philosophy.

What Makes Vanshivat Different?

• Built with locally sourced materials
• Run by locals, supporting nearby farmers and artisans
• Offers curated slow-travel experiences—like guided nature walks, birdwatching, and forest meditations
• Promotes mindful tourism with a minimal carbon footprint

Staying at Vanshivat means you’re not just a guest—you’re part of a thoughtful, respectful exchange between visitor and place.

6. The Bigger Picture: What Your Visit Means

Every cup of chai you sip, every homestay you support, every wrapper you choose not to drop—it all matters.

When you travel mindfully, you help:

• Preserve natural resources
• Keep local cultures alive
• Create long-term, ethical livelihoods

Travel isn’t just about where you go—it’s how you go.