Renting - month by month basis

Hi, Dave. I looked for the stuff on the cottages near Dharamsala and it's really not what you're looking for -- too fancy-shmancy. But check out this place - not separate cottages, but looks peaceful, comfortable, and ecologically responsible:

http://www.bestkodiyahimalayanretreat.org/

Yes, Nick, but thank goodness for the cracks between the boards, because that was how the smoke was escaping from the room ... at least to the extent it was escaping at all, which wasn't much. We really couldn't stand sitting there for very long, even though it was the only room in the place that was warm, especially at night - and it was only early October! Some of the photos I took in this kitchen looked "milky" and overexposed, and I realized that it was really just smoky. The effect was even worse when I used a flash, because the flash reflected off the smoke particles in the air!

The places around Almora seem to have tin stoves, which makes things a little easier. For cooking the kerosene stove might be the answer, though it is rationed so supply could be a problem there.
One of those water heaters is an absolute must IMHO they're only a few hundred rupees and can heat about 20 liters of water using wood! Amazing things!
One thing, no place to change money in Almora so a trip the Nainital is needed once in a while, ATM wasn't working last time either!!

For wood ask the locals, they will get word to someone!! The bundles they sell for 50 rupees last about two maybe three days!! Prices can vary!!
You know I've got a few ideas on places that may suit you and if you like them I would suggest keeping the kitchen idea simple and eating in local restaurants. I've gone the kitchen route before in Dharamsala and Goa and found that local food was so tasty and cheap the stove often went through long periods of disuse.

May I suggest first of all a night at Tara's which all the taxi guys know. It's right on the main road but is a decent base for exploring the other possibilites, on the other side of the ridge, the one with the views! This place does basic Indian fare like Tikkis parothas and definitely try the fruit samosas!!

Walking up the mountain from here you will see signs for little guesthouses and cottages for rent take a look around and see what grabs you!!
Tara's is good for brekkie, supplies, internet, newspapers and did I mention those fruit samosas!!

As the cap'n has mentioned modernity has arrived here but IMHO it's easy to avoid, the bird watching is fantastic and there's plenty of places to walk, that take you through the heart of little hamlets and villages.

Kausani also has a few places that would suit, they are mentioned in the LP guide!! Great views here too, the place is set up for Indian tourists but that simply adds to the eating possiblities!!
Again it seems easy to me to leave all the modernity behind and find a quiet spot out of the wind and just contemplate those bloody big mountains!!

I notice that in one post, DavidP80 says he can pay up to 10,000 a month.

That's a lot more than my Chennai flat: can a place with open-fire cooking and holes in the wall cost anything like that?

In places where there are tourists Nick most accomdation is rented with an idea of what the market will hold. If the OP was looking at a long term rental then prices would be much cheaper, as it is he'll probably find something cheaper than his budget without too much trouble!!
I was offered a place somewhere in the ridge above Tara's that had sleeping room, stove kitchen and bathroom for 150 a might, Didn't look at it though, as I was already set up!

Dzibead - I do realize that I may theoretically be biting off more than I can chew. But, until my experience can realistically match my expectations, all I can do is hope, and dream.... I'm a young guy who is accustomed to a bit of discomfort in the wilderness, and believe that I am skilled enough to do what I'd need to do to survive (regulating the temperature of the woodstove, backcountry cooking, etc.) I really treasure simplicity, and am not intimidated by hard work - At least while I sit here at the computer, half way around the world from the Himalayas! I will continue to do reserach, and will take to heart anything that anyone has to say on the matter. Like I said though.....all I can do right now is dream, and gather information in order to make that dream a reality. The Himalayan retreat center that you linked looks wonderful! - but may be a bit out of my budget range. I added it to my page of bookmarks, and will keep it in mind for a stay of a shorter duration.

And perhaps I am getting in over my head, over seeing Capt's kitchen picture - the cracks are intimidating. I can just imagine a bone-chilling breeze creeping through there through the winter months. A tin stove would probably be more ideal - especially for cooking.

In regards to cooking, I did think about just eating at local restaurants (if there are any to be had), but cooking (indian food especially) is one of my favorite things to do, and brings me a great deal of pleasure. A tin stove would be a natural place to sit a nice pot of peas and potatoes, and would allow a greater range of temperature regulation.

Cyberhippie - thanks for updating me on the wood situation. Your quoted price sounds more reasonable (in terms of what my expectations were). Maybe I just didn't read your post carefully enough, but where is Tara's - Almora? As you mentioned, it does sound like a promising base for exploration of this sort, considering the advertisements and the deal you were offered.

I agree with Nick. 10,000 rupees sounded like an awful lot to me for something so simple, even if it does come bundled with incredible mountain views. I was hoping to find something for around half that price - somewhere in the range of 5,000 to 7,500 rupees. Maybe I'm converting the currency incorrectly - I was under the impression that 45 rupees is equivalent to 1 US dollar, thus 10,000 rupees would be roughly equivalent to $225. Please correct me if I'm wrong.

Thanks everyone - really great information!

-Dave

I'm planning to do the same thing as the member who started the thread - well almost the same thing - near enough I guess. I'm looking for a place to rent for a let's say a year or more. A clean room with a place to cook(too much?) and provision for lighting a fire for the wintry chill are my basic requirements. The place has to be relatively secluded from the flow of tourists and pilgrimages - Really I won't mind if I don't see anyone around. My budget cannot go beyond rs 2000/2500 per month. Anything lower will be heartily appreciated. Can anyone please help me regarding the feasibility within this range? If the place is to my liking I shall like to rent it for a long term. If anyone has any information or recommendation I'd be grateful. I do understand that getting to know the place and deciding for myself will be a much more informed choice, however I'd like to get a feel on the whole matter beforehand if that's possible. Thanks.