Out in the mountains, gazing at a mesmerizing view of the mountains, sipping on a hot cup of tea or coffee, and letting your creative juices flow- haven't we all dreamt of working like this while sitting in our cubicle?
If you also nurture such aspirations, here are the best co-working spaces in Himachal that can provide quality accommodation in a budget, basic infrastructure for work, and an opportunity to interact with like-minded travelers while exploring the place in your free time.
Are you ready to escape and Work From Himachal (WFH)?
1. Ghoomakkad, Rakkar (Kangra)
Overlooking the mighty Dhauladhar mountains, this collaborative space is based in Rakkar Village in the Kangra district of Himachal. It provides an opportunity to work remotely and effectively, as well as indulge in main soul soothing activities like organic farming and day trekking. It was started by Mohinder Kumar in 2002 for those who love to work from the Mountains and have an interest in knowing more about the mountain life.
Facilities: They offer accommodation in mud houses, private wooden huts and tents on independent and sharing basis. There is a 20+ seater co-working space with hi-speed internet and power backup. There is a multi-cuisine restaurant on the premises to cater to your hunger pangs, using fresh produce from their organic farms.
Activities: Organic Farming, Day Trekking, Youth Empowerment
Explore Nearby: Dharamshala, McLeodganj, Palampur, Kangra, Bir
How to Reach: Rakkar around 10 Kms from Dharamsala. Take a bus from Dharamsala bus stand and get down at Sidhbari. Ghoomakad is 2 kms walk from Sidhbari main road. You can also take a cab from Dharamshala
Cost: Starts from Rs. 4000 per person per week
2. WorkationX, Rajgunda (Kangra)
With uninterrupted views of the Himalayas, WorkationX is the highest Co-working space in the Indian Himalayas. Located in Rajgunda in Kangra District, it is built as a Co-working & Co-living community space that brings together digital nomads, professionals, freelancers, entrepreneurs, independent thinkers and startups to work, live and engage with the local community of the Himalayas. If Elon Musk is your inspiration, then this is the place for you, as it is dedicated to this modern genius.
You will definitely leave the world behind as tt can only be reached after a 4 km hike from the nearest village Badagran.
Facilities: WorkationX has two co-working rooms namely, Focus and CoLab. They have on site accomodation including suites. For uniterrupted work, they have hi-speed internet, and a warm kitchen to soothe hunger pangs.
Activities: Mountain biking, camping next to a waterfall and paragliding at Bir, beautiful hikes and treks
Explore Nearby: Dharamshala, McLeodganj, Palampur, Kangra, Bir
How to Reach: Reach Bir by bus or Cab. Take a taxi to the nearest village Badagran, and start your hike to reach WorkationX
Cost: Starts from Rs. 800 per person per day
3. The void, Dharamkot (Dharamshala)
Located at the foothills of the Dhauladhar mountains, it overlooks the Triund mountain on the East and Kangra Valley on the west. It was started by a bunch of tech entrepreneurs to work from the mountains and self exploration. Today, the common space and cafe promises a beautiful destination to work, and interesting company.
Facilities: This place offers excellent internet connectivity, power backup, comfortable private rooms with spacious balcony overlooking the nature. The cafe is where guests hangout. They also have a dedicated workspace to support focused work. Parking is available 60m from the place, and there's a taxi stand within walking distance.
Activities: The place offers people a way to explore beautiful trails and spots by just walking for few minutes. Famous Bhagsu waterfall and a trail trek to Triund starts from here.
Explore Nearby: Dharamshala, McLeodganj, Palampur, Kangra, Bir
How to Reach: Reach Dharamshala by bus or cab. From Dharamshala it is around 8 km.
Cost: Starts from Rs. 1599 per day for 2 people
4. Alt Life Manali
With Jaw Dropping Views, lush green forests, sprawling meadows carpeted with flowers, gushing blue streams, a perpetual fairy-tale like mist lingering in the air, Alt Life Manali is located at a place with extraordinary scenic beauty. It has private rooms and dorms(including female dorms) for accommodation. Open Balconies In Rooms Are Perfect for soaking the panoramic views. There Is A Café With Co-Working Space That Can Accommodate Up To 70 People. Travel Desk is also available to aid your journey.
Facilities: 46 beds including 12 private rooms, free wifi, common area and separate co-working space are all offered to aid a workation. To feed your hunger pangs, Alt Cafe is to the rescue. They also offer a 24X7 reception, books, community life and lots of activities.
Activities: You can go sightseeing around Manali, drive to Rohtang La, enjoy bonfire nights, and many day and night time community activities here.
Explore Nearby: Manali, Naggar, Solang Valley, Rohtang Pass, Bhrigu Lake
How to Reach: It is just 2.5 Km away from the Manali Mall Road and 800 m from Old Manali Bridge. Manali can be reached by bus or cab from New Delhi.
Cost: Starts from Rs. 350 per day per bed(Min Stay 21 nights)
5. Alt Life Dharamkot
Based at a stunning location with breathtaking panoramic views of the Kangra Valley and the Dhauladhar mountains, Alt Life Dharamkot offers private rooms and dorms(including female dorms) for accommodation. The property is equipped with a cafe with co-working space that can accommodate up to 70 people. The property also has to offer a garden restaurant to lounge in, a community kitchen to share the meals you cook, library and an exclusive yoga area to stretch your exhaustion away.
Facilities: 32 beds plus 6 private rooms, free wifi, common area and separate co-working space are all offered to aid a workation. To feed your hunger pangs, Alt Cafe is to the rescue. They also offer a 24X7 reception, books, community life, and lots of activities.
Activities: You can go sightseeing around Dharamshala and Mc Leodganj, meditate at Tushita meditation centre, enjoy bonfire nights, experience art at Norbulingka Tibetan Institute, visit Gallu Temple and Dharamkot Falls and many other community activities here.
Explore Nearby: Dharamshala, Mc Leodganj, Triund, Dharamkot, Bir
How to Reach: Nearest airport is at Kangra( 17km) and nearest Railway Station is at Pathankot(91 km ). Place can be reached by cab but last 300 odd metres is a steep climb.
Cost: Starts from Rs. 616 per day per bed(Min Stay 14 nights)
6. GlampEco Manali
Surrounded by breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains, an endless valley, and a lush green forest, GlampEco offers geodesic domes as one of the accomodation options for taking your workation to the next level. They also offer accomodation in their mud house, which a traditional 50 year old Himachali home. Swing in the hammock in their orchard, work in one of their common areas, or take a hike to a nearby waterfall. All amenities are in place for a long work stay, and there's plenty to do after work as well!.
Facilities: For uninterrupted work, they offer hi-speed wifi, solar powered electric backup, and excellent 4G network coverage of all major service providers. They have enough sitting areas which can be used for working such as common area, hammock, Outside Cafe Area. Accommodation is available in dorm rooms, Mud House or Geodesic Domes, depending on your budget and comfort. They have a cafe which can churn out traditional Himachali food as well.
Activities: Visit the Kalzang Dhabha run by a local couple just 100 mts away, go for short hikes to a nearby waterfall, visit Sethan Village and meet the locals, go for a day hike to Chikha , Sethan Dome or Lamadug, ziplining, bouldering, skiing and snowboarding in winters, paragliding, trekking, mountain biking (some activities on request only).
Explore Nearby: Manali, Naggar, Solang Valley, Rohtang Pass, Bhrigu Lake, Sethan Village
How to Reach: It is 14 Km away from the Manali Mall Road, and it takes 40 mins to get there by car. Manali can be reached by bus or cab from New Delhi.
Cost: Mud house rooms start from Rs. 2124 per day for 2 people(Min stay 3 nights). They can offer special rates based on requirement and length of stay.
7. Jungle Book Homestay, Jibhi
Located at a pristine and untouched location, Jungle Book will give you a feeling of leaving the entire world behind while you are still at work. Enjoy the Himalayan beauty with home like facilities. Situated along the Beas river, it is a perfect place to find tranquility and get chilled out.
Facilities: Each room has attached bath with geyser, a balcony with an awesome view. Guests can access other facilities like Wi-fi, kitchen.
Activities: Trekking, camping, fishing , 2-5 days trekking amist the Great Himalayan National Park can be organized on extra payment basis.
Explore Nearby: Tirthan Valley, Manali, Solang Valley
How to Reach: Can be reached by bus or cab from New Delhi and other neighbouring cities.
Cost: Rooms start from Rs. 1239 per day for 2 people
8. Himalayan Woodpecker, Manali
This hilltop house, located in an apple orchard offers unparalleled views of the Himalayas, along with all the necessary facilities to make your workation memorable. From the parking lot, it is a 300km uphill climb to reach the homestay, and the hike takes around 20 mins. But the views and the serenity you get in return make it absolutely worth your time. They don't have an in-house kitchen, but they can get groceries and other items delivered from the city on payment.
Facilities: They have 2 rooms(one with attached kitchenette) and a studio apartment as well. Wi-fi facility is available for uninterrupted work. They have their own cows and offer fresh milk, curd etc. to their guests. The rooms have indoor tandoor to keep warm during winters.
Activities: Hikes around the property, explore the villages, adventure sports in Manali
Explore Nearby: Manali, Naggar, Solang Valley, Rohtang Pass, You may go to jogini waterfall hike, Vashishtha hot spring to bath everyday, Vashishtha market, bar & cafe nearby. and from here to Manali downtown is 10 minutes away only.
How to Reach: It is 10 mins away from the Manali downtown, and can be reached by auto or cab. Manali can be reached by bus or cab from New Delhi.
Cost: Deluxe rooms start from Rs. 2000 for 2 people per day. For studio apartment, there is separate pricing
In addition to these, goStops and Zostel have several properties across Himachal and offer attractive rates for longer stays. Some of these properties may suit workation needs as well.
So, if you are a digital nomad itching to get out in the mountains without compromising on work, these spaces will give you the perfect opportunity.