How I Created a Life in the Mountains

A Seasonal Guide to Living Your Dream Life in the Indian Himalayas (Rishikesh, Himachal & Leh Ladakh)

Imagine waking up to the beauty of the mountains, the sound of the flowing rivers, and the fresh Himalayan air.

Living a dream life in the mountains is a reality in India’s picturesque regions of Rishikesh, Himachal and Leh Ladakh.

Each location offers its unique charm during different times of the year.

Choosing Your Ideal Mountain Destination

Upper Tapovan in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand - The Yoga Capital Of The World

Best Time to Visit: November to February (Offseason according to Indian tourism, and hence the best time to visit to skip the Yatra and Mela crowds.)

Lifestyle: Tapovan in Rishikesh in known for its Yoga Ashrams, Retreats and the sacred Ganga River. Don’t forget to check out the amazing vibe at Secret Garden Cafe and the Spiritual Growth events at 12 Monks or on Rishikesh Conscious Community Whatsapp Group.

Activities: Yoga(Vinyasa Yogashala), Meditation(Ajatananda Ashram), river rafting(red chilli adventure) and exploring ancient temples (Like the Kunjapuri Temple).

Dhungri Village in Manali, Himachal Pradesh

Best Time to Visit: March to June (Considering the heatwave-like conditions and global warming, Manali is the only place that can offer the cooler temperatures one might desire)

Note: Dharamshala/Dharmkot or Kasol hover around 30 degrees Celsius during summer, similar to my hometown, Bombay. Lol.

Lifestyle: Manali offers diverse options, from the hippie vibes of Old Manali to the spiritual atmosphere of Vashisht and hidden waterfall treks.

Activities: Hiking, paragliding, exploring forests, temples and hot water springs.

Karzu Road in Leh, Ladakh

Best Time to Visit: July to October (While most of the country is flooding, we might as well stay in this high-altitude rain shadow area.)

Lifestyle: Leh Ladakh is for those crave for adventure and rugged beauty. It’s a place of high altitude deserts, Buddhist monasteries, and vibrant festival like the Nomadic festival.

Activities: ATV Ride, trekking, visiting monasteries, and visiting the Leh Market.

Planning

Research and Prep

Climate: Understand the seasonal changes and how they affect daily life/travel in the Mountains. Follow the above “Best Time to Visit“ section for each location to avoid extreme monsoon and winter related challenges.

Accommodation: Look for long-term rental options and don’t go for per night deals.

Try staying in a Hostel like Zostel or Hosteller for a few days until you figure out the right accomodation for you.

Healthcare: You know your body best; always have medication for any possible symptoms you might suffer from.

Financial Planning

Cost of Living: Go for a monthly deal and not a per night one.

Long stay monthly accommodation ranges between INR 15,000 - 25,000 depending on the amenities, location and the type of accommodation (Resort, Homestay).

Income Sources: Consider a remote corporate job which is fully remote or freelancing depending on what works for you.

Immersing in the Local Culture

Community Engagement

Volunteer: Engage in community projects or local NGO’s like Ganga River clean-up drive.

Festivals: Participate in local festivals to understand the culture like the Ladakh Nomadic Festival.

Sustainable & Healthy Living

Simplify your life by focusing on essentials and experiences rather than possessions that no longer serve you.

Try to get 10,000 steps per day/ weight training and practice intermittent fasting to help you sustain a healthy lifestyle in the Himalayas.

Embracing the Adventure

Outdoor Activities: Discover hidden trails, waterfalls and scenic sunset spots.

I really love the offbeat hidden trail to Tsemo Monastery below.

Personal Growth: Practice mindfulness and meditation to enhance your mental well-being. I tried Tantra Yoga and Cacao Ceremonies in Rishikesh.

Hobbies: Pursue hobbies like Photography and writing inspired by natural beauty around you and see the magic.

Pro Tips

Staying Connected

Internet: Ensure reliable internet connectivity for remote work and staying in touch. I use Airtel Postpaid which services me really well in Rishikesh, Himachal and Leh Ladakh with 5G speed most of the times.

Local Networks: Build a network of friends and community for companionship and support.

Health and Safety

Regular Checkups: Make sure you have a good understanding of your vitamin levels and get regular check-ups. I usually carry, B Complex, Multi-vitamins, magnesium, Ashwanganda and some D3 occasionally depending on my Health reports

Emergency Kits: Keep a well-stocked emergency kit for medical emergencies(Based on your doctors recommendation) and natural calamities.

And That’s It—You’re All Set!

Creating a dream life in the mountains requires careful planning, an open mind, and a willingness to embrace change. Whether you choose a spiritual journey in Rishikesh, the scenic hikes of Himachal, or the adventurous allure of Leh Ladakh, each destination offers a unique path to a fulfilling life.

Embrace this journey and let the mountains guide you to a life of peace, adventure, and personal growth.

If you want something in life, reach out and grab it

If you want to create your dream life in the Himalayas, click on the image below, and I will guide you through the steps to get started.