Himalayan Ark

24/05/2026

Exploring the night skies of Sarmoli.

Preparing to deepen our understanding of the skies above Sarmoli at this time of year, we spent the evening setting up telescopes with Proteep Mallik — a passionate astronomer who teaches physics and courses such as Understanding India at APU, and regularly facilitates stargazing sessions on campus.

There was a quiet thrill in witnessing the moon and Jupiter appear almost side by side, with three of Jupiter’s four luminous moons visible through the telescope— a rare and synchronous moment that made the night feel especially alive.

With the mountains wrapped in darkness and the stars slowly revealing themselves, we are delighted to announce the Stargazing Event to be held in Sarmoli on the night of 25th May 2026

Along with the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board that is promoting Astrotourism in the state, we would like to acknowledge The People Network and Hyatt Regency Dehradun for their support in enabling this year’s Festival.

23/05/2026

**Himal Kalasutra 2026** begins with its first event — ***Running for Joy***.

A glimpse back at the spirit of 2025:
Where every runner was a winner.
Where the only competition was with yourself — beating your own stride, your own time.
Where age was no barrier — from grandmoms to seasoned athletes, everyone ran together.
Where sportsmanship thrived, joy echoed,
and every moment felt like a celebration.

22/05/2026

For the 11th year in a row, Sarmoli welcomes Himal Kalasutra 2026 — a week-long celebration of the Himalayan spirit.
Its landscapes.
Its living ecology — within and around us.

Walking forest trails with the youth of the region,
among birds, butterflies, and the wisdom of the plant world.

Singing Kabir in unison with artists from Malwa and Himachal.

And finally, gathering at Mesar Kund to celebrate 18 years of shared journeys and belonging.

Supported by the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board, the MLA fund for Munsiari and Dharchula and many well wishers.

14/05/2026

Nanda Devi East, bathed by the sun…

13/05/2026

Somewhere in the forests of Munsiari, pakoras are being made, coffee is being brewed, and a community is building something entirely their own. The Forest Café sits inside the Sarmoli-Jainti Van Panchayat, managed by the people who’ve been its rightful keepers for generations.

A café amidst forests. A nature interpretation centre. A place to meet, rest, and belong. 🌱

06/02/2026

Hornbeam nutlets, not brought down by snow, but by the wind thereafter. Spiralling down on their asymmetrical wing…

06/02/2026

Mesa of gneiss, and looking down onto the Lesser Himalaya. Enroute to Khalia danda.

11/07/2025

Meet Kamla Pandey — One of the First Women to Open Her Doors to the World 🌏

20 years ago, Kamla ji and her husband were among the first to take the leap into something completely new: running a homestay through the village Van Panchayat of Sarmoli-Jainti.
Back then, mehmaan paison se nahi, rishton se jude hote the — and that’s exactly how she still sees it.

Hosting travelers didn’t just bring income. It brought stories, friendships, and a deep connection to the world beyond the mountains — all while staying rooted in her own.

Today, Kamla ji continues to welcome guests as part of Himalayan Ark, a community-owned enterprise, with the same pride and joy. Her homestay is more than a room — it’s a window into the spirit of the Himalayas.

13/06/2025