- Feels like: 19°C
- Humidity: 65%
- Wind: 4 km/h
Highlights
Homestay
270KMS from Delhi
2 Rooms
6 Pax
Mountain top surrounded by Kilbury Forest
Snow-peak views
700 mts from the road, 4x4 wheel drive assisted by Host
About the Eco Stay & Experience
Set at 7,200 ft within the forests of Kilbury, this mountain retreat opens to wide Himalayan views and mornings carried by birdsong from the nearby wildlife conservation belt.
With only two independent and private cottages, the space remains quiet and personal. Built to sit gently within the forest, the rooms stay naturally warm in winter and cool in summer — without excess energy use.
Everything here follows the rhythm of the land. The water you drink is harvested entirely from rain and snow, filtered through natural gravel beds and UV purification before reaching your glass. Meals draw from Himalayan herbs grown on-site and seasonal produce shaped by the mountains. What is used returns to the soil, what is built blends back into the trees, keeping the surroundings as clean as they feel.
The place is held together by its beautiful people, Rukmini and Gaggan, who chose to leave the corporate world and build slowly. The retreat reflects their belief in thoughtful living — sharing food, forest trails and long conversations with guests who value depth over noise.
Welcome to fresh air, warm beds, and forest light — a mountain space designed for families and friends to live simply and breathe deeply.
Stay Amenities
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Parking -
Towels -
Board games -
Outdoor games -
Toiletries -
Library -
Artefacts -
Electric Kettle -
Bonfire -
First-aid - More Amenities
Meet your Localdost - Gaggan Anand
Hi, we’re Rukmini and Gaggan. What you see here is not a project we rushed into. It is something we’ve built slowly, consciously, and with deep respect for the land around us. We began shaping this mountain space in 2015, long before we ever hosted a single guest. At the time, I was still working in the financial corporate world, sketching ideas between meetings and spreadsheets. Rukmini, a self-trained artist and vocalist with a love for wild landscapes and growing things, was dreaming of infrastructure that would blend into the forest instead of overpowering it. We believe hospitality is about sharing what we value — healthy food, long forest walks, quiet birding mornings, ancient temples nearby, and conversations with people from all walks of life. We look forward to hosting you and share what we have built with you!
Engage in Local Experiences
Guided Nature Walk FREE
Wander through lush forests and open meadows overlooking the serene Kilbury range, discovering native flora, mountain silence, and panoramic Himalayan views along the way.
Guided Birding Tour ₹750.00/-
Explore Pangot’s birding paradise with a local guide, spotting vibrant Himalayan species while learning about local habitats, migration patterns and conservation efforts.
Guided Temple Tour ₹750.00/-
Visit the sacred Ganiyal Devi or Brahamstahali Temple with a local guide, understanding regional legends, rituals and spiritual traditions rooted in Kumaoni culture.
Sustainable Stewardship
4.7/5 MLD Sustainable Criteria
This property emits 90% less CO2 compared to an average hotel in Nainital. This means If you choose to stay at this Eco-resort over a typical resort in Nainital, you will be saving
0 Trees
0 Buckets Water
0% Less CO2
This is possible because our local dost (Gaggan Anand) has made sure that the property fulfils the following Eco-Sustainable travel criteria:
This property scores 4.7/5 on MylocalDost’s Sustainable Criteria — a reflection of its commitment to conscious living. From supporting local livelihoods to protecting nature, every choice here is creating real, lasting impact. Here’s How:
Supports Local Communities & Cultures
Muskotia is more than a retreat. It is a hub for Himalayan artisanship. We grow our own herbs and manufacture artisanal products right here. When you stay with us, you support a micro-economy that celebrates local culture and keeps traditional knowledge alive.
Green Environment & Biodiversity Conservation
We have planted over 5,000 Deodar trees to restore the micro-climate and protect the landslide-safe contours of our land. Located near the Mehradevi Bird Conservation area in Kilbury Forest, we are guardians of a thriving ecosystem that includes rhododendrons, oaks, and wild roses.
Air & Water Quality
We define self-sufficiency through our 100% rain and snow water harvesting system, which has been providing pure water for over 11 years. Our multi-stage filtration uses natural gravel, UV light, and even antibacterial brass buckets to ensure every drop you drink is as pure as the snow it came from.
Waste Management
Our "zero-waste" approach is radical. We forbid plastic carry bags and repurpose everything, from turning old clothes into dusters to composting organic waste for our cows. Even garlic and onion peels feed our lily pond ecosystem. It is a rigorous, holistic cycle where nothing is wasted.
Temperature & Energy Management
We use cutting-edge, low-wattage infrared heaters and bed warmers to keep you cozy without the heavy carbon cost. Our cottages are smart-controlled and highly efficient. We mostly rely on a mix of induction, gas, and traditional firewood to keep our energy footprint incredibly low.
Travel & Transportation
Muskotia is an "offbeat" destination designed for those who want to disconnect. Whether you are trekking through the forest or simply camping under the stars, the journey here is about leaving the paved world behind and finding your footing in nature.
Food & Guest Experience
Here, wellness is physical. You can join us for yoga, healing sessions, or simply gaze at the stars. Our "chula" cooked meals and the warmth of a bonfire create a primal sense of comfort. It is a place to heal, grounded by the earth and the sky.
Education on Sustainable Living
Our cottages are architectural marvels of dry construction. Built with steel frames and extensive insulation, they are designed to be thermally efficient sanctuaries. Living here shows you that modern comfort and deep ecological responsibility can coexist perfectly.
Location
Things to Note
Our property is nestled within Kilbury Forest, about 17 km from Nainital town.
By Air
- Pantnagar Airport – Approx. 85 km (2.5–3 hours by road)
- Jolly Grant Airport – Approx. 300 km (7–8 hours by road)
Taxis are readily available from both airports.
By Train
- Kathgodam Railway Station – Approx. 40 km (1.5–2 hours by taxi)
By Road
- 17 km from Nainital (45–60 minutes drive)
- Approx. 7–8 hours drive from Delhi
- Private taxis can be arranged from Nainital or Kathgodam
- We are located 700 meters uphill; access is suitable for 4x4 vehicles. If you’re arriving in a regular car, we’ll happily receive you in our 4x4 and assist with safe parking.
- You'll be staying in someone's home, so please treat it with care and respect.
- Smoking is permitted in designated outdoor areas only.
- Only Jio network works reliably here, and connectivity may be limited — not ideal for workations.
- As we are surrounded by forest, please avoid venturing out alone at night without a local guide for your safety.
Cancellation & Rescheduling Policy
- All bookings made with the property are non-refundable but can be rescheduled instead of cancelled.
- The revised stay date must be within 180 days of the original booking date.
- Rescheduling is permitted only once.
- The revised booking will be subject to availability of accommodation at the property.
- The stay will be adjusted as per the prevailing tariff applicable on the new dates.
Nature & Sightseeing
- Kilbury Bird Sanctuary – Rich birdlife & forest trails (10 kms)
- Nainital – Mall Road, cafés & local markets (17 kms)
- Tiffin Top – Popular viewpoint (18 kms)
- Bhimtal Lake – Scenic lake with island (45 kms)
- Sattal – Cluster of seven freshwater lakes (42 kms)
- Mukteshwar Temple – Temple with dramatic valley views (70 kms)
Hospitals
- B. D. Pandey District Hospital – Government hospital in Nainital (17 kms)
- Ramnagar Government Hospital – Major medical facility in the region. (70 kms)
ATMs & Banking
- ATMs available in Nainital (17 kms)
- Limited or no ATM facilities near Kilbury — advisable to carry sufficient cash
Reviews
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