Indian Army Launches Tent Homestay in Garbyang Village: Know Booking Details, Price And More

The Indian Army has launched a unique tent-based homestay for travellers in Uttarakhand's Garbyang village. The facility was officially opened on October 6 by Lieutenant General DG Misra, GOC of Uttar Bharat Area. The inauguration ceremony was also attended by the villagers of Garbyang, who expressed their appreciation for the fact that such a venture would enhance local economic opportunities. The project underscores the Army's commitment to nation-building and socio-economic upliftment of border communities.

This initiative is aligned with the Government of India's Vibrant Villages Programme. It aims to offer tourists an authentic experience of the region's vibrant culture and natural beauty while simultaneously strengthening local livelihoods through community-led tourism. 

Are you curious to know more about the homestay and experience it yourself? Here are some details you should know. 

🌄 "𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗥𝗼𝗼𝘁𝘀, 𝗥𝗲𝗶𝗺𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗕𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀."🇮🇳

Lt Gen DG Misra, #GOC #UttarBharatArea inaugurated a Tent-Based Homestay at #VibrantVillage #Garbyang, a historic frontier hamlet once central to Indo-Tibetan trade.

Spearheaded by the… pic.twitter.com/WXakP52m4j

— SuryaCommand_IA (@suryacommand) October 6, 2025

How to Book Homestay In Garbyang? 

The tent-based homestay in Garbyang has been developed under Operation Sadbhavna and is now run independently by the villagers. Staying here gives visitors a chance to experience the local lifestyle up close while enjoying the Himalayan surroundings.

Photo Credit: X: @suryacommand

The Garbyang Village Committee handles all reservations. You can contact them at 9410734276 / 7579811930 / 9596752645. The cost for a stay is Rs 1,000 per person per night, including meals.

Where is Garbyang?

Located in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand, Garbyang is a peaceful village in the Kumaon Sector surrounded by beautiful valleys and snow-covered mountains. It is often called the "Gateway to Shivnagri Gunji" as it is the starting point of the two important pilgrimage routes. One route leads to Adi Kailash, and the other goes towards Om Parvat and Kalapani.

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Things to do in Garbyang

1. Visit sacred pilgrimage sites: Garbyang is a key junction for pilgrims heading to several holy places. From here, you can access routes that lead to Adi Kailash, often called "Chota Kailash," and Om Parvat, a mountain naturally shaped like the "Om" symbol. Other nearby sacred sites include Kalimata Mandir, Rishi Vyas Cave, Parvati Kund, and Gauri Kund.

2. Explore the village's rich heritage: Once a prosperous trade centre, Garbyang still displays the unique cultural heritage of the Shauka and Rang-Shauka communities, also known as Bhotias. Though some old houses are sinking due to land subsidence in the area, you can still find buildings featuring beautiful carved wooden doors and windows.

3. Observe the Kali River: See the origin of the Kali River at the Kalimata Mandir near Garbyang. The river forms the border with Nepal and is a vital part of the landscape. 

4. Visit the Community Museum at Gunji: This museum showcases the rich cultural heritage of the Rang community, a Tibeto-Burman ethnic group from the Himalayas. Exhibits of centuries-old relics, including traditional clothing, handwoven woollen garments, ancient weapons, household items and jewellery are shown here.

5. Be one with nature: Enjoy snow-laden trails, engage with local families and experience the traditional village life of the high-altitude Himalayan region. You can also camp beneath the clear Himalayan sky. 

How To Reach Garbyang

- By road: Garbyang is approximately 25 km from the road head at Dharchula, on the right bank of the Kali River. You can take your own vehicle or book a private cab from Dharchula.

- By air: The nearest major airport is Pantnagar Airport. From there, you would need to travel by road.

- By rail: The nearest major railway station is Kathgodam, from which you would need to arrange for a taxi or bus.

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Best time to visit Garbyang

The best time to visit Garbyang is from March to June, when the weather is generally pleasant with ample sunshine. After the monsoon season, you can also visit the place between September and October. The skies become clear and the landscape is lush and vibrant. The weather is still pleasant and cool, with lower footfall compared to the pre-monsoon season.