Whether you’re a remote worker, NRI exploring life in the hills, or someone testing a second-home lifestyle — Uttarakhand offers some of the best long-stay destinations in India.
But not all hill towns are equal for long-term comfort. Factors like internet, healthcare, markets, road access, and even social vibe matter.
Here’s our curated list of top towns and villages in Kumaon (Uttarakhand) ideal for peaceful, productive, and enjoyable long stays in 2025.
🏡 What Makes a Place Great for Long-Term Stay?
Look for:
- ✅ Stable electricity & internet
- ✅ Year-round road connectivity
- ✅ Basic healthcare nearby
- ✅ Grocery, ATMs, and repair shops
- ✅ Moderate altitude (for older residents)
- ✅ Friendly locals and safe surroundings
Now let’s look at the best options:
1. Bhimtal – The Most Balanced Town for Hill Living
📍 Altitude: ~1,370m
🛒 Facilities: Markets, schools, clinics, cafes
📡 Internet: Good (Jio Fiber, Airtel available in core areas)
Perfect for:
- Families and professionals
- People who want to be “in the hills but not remote”
- Trial stays before home purchase
👉 Close to Kathgodam (railhead), Nainital, and property hotspots. You’ll find both lake-view rentals and quiet forest cottages.
🔗 Read: Buy Property in Bhimtal →
2. Mukteshwar – For Peaceful Stays with Stunning Views
📍 Altitude: ~2,170m
🏡 Vibe: Orchard town, peaceful, stunning Himalayan views
🌿 Perks: Clean air, birdwatching, treks
Internet is patchy in some areas, but improving. Rent a house near Sitla or Sargaakhet for balance between nature and network.
Ideal for:
- Writers, artists, remote workers
- Seniors looking for peaceful living
- Long weekends or seasonal stays
3. Almora – Culture, Cafes, and Convenience
📍 Altitude: ~1,650m
🏙️ Vibe: Cultural capital of Kumaon
🏥 Facilities: Good hospital, schools, broadband, cafes
It’s a hill town with old soul. Great if you want:
- Walkable local markets
- Live music in cafes
- Access to lawyers, engineers, or builders for home planning
Perfect for younger couples and retirees alike.
4. Ranikhet – The Cantonment Life
📍 Altitude: ~1,850m
🏘️ Vibe: Clean, quiet, military-planned town
🚶♂️ Perks: Parks, pine forests, colonial homes
While less commercial than Nainital, Ranikhet has:
- Good network
- Year-round accessibility
- Long-term homes available through army rental circles or local agents
A favorite for:
- Retired couples
- Families seeking quiet, safety, and greenery
5. Nathuakhan & Nearby Villages – Remote Yet Real
📍 Altitude: ~2,000m
🌲 Vibe: Pure village life, scenic, slow-paced
🚫 Limitations: Low mobile signal in pockets, no 24×7 shops
Great for:
- 1–3 month creative retreats
- NRI families reconnecting with roots
- Homeschooling or nature-living experiences
Recommended only if you’re okay being away from town life.
🏘️ Renting Tips for Long-Term Stays in Kumaon
- 🛏️ Choose standalone homes or serviced cottages, not hotels
- 💰 Expect ₹15,000–₹40,000/month depending on location & season
- 🧺 Ask about: heating, water supply, internet, cleaning
- 🧑🍳 Check if you need to cook or if food is provided
- ⚠️ Beware of “tourist pricing” — always negotiate for 30+ days
🛠️ Why Try Before You Buy?
Many people planning second homes in the hills now rent first to understand:
- Local climate
- Construction ecosystem
- Real estate challenges
A 1–2 month stay gives priceless clarity on what you want to buy — and where.
🔗 Read: Rent Before Buying a Home in the Hills →
🏠 Ready to Book Your Stay?
At KumaonPlanner, we help you connect with verified long-stay homes in peaceful locations across Kumaon.
Whether you need a month in Bhimtal or a season in Mukteshwar, we’ll help you settle comfortably.
📬 Reach Out for Stay Recommendations →
🔗 Related Articles:
- Cost of Living in Kumaon Hills
- Plots vs Ready Homes: What’s Better in Kumaon?
- Hill Home Construction Mistakes to Avoid
- Interior Design Ideas for Hill Homes
