When I, Nikhil Sharma, first made the decision to leave the fast-paced life of Delhi and move to the Himalayas, I envisioned long walks through pine-scented forests and days spent in quiet reflection. My destination was Tehri, a quiet town with a breathtaking view of the mountains and the Tehri Lake. I now reside in a bespoke luxury villa nestled in the hills, but there were several things I hadn’t anticipated when I first arrived.

One of the most significant adjustments is the pace of life. The Garhwal hills, whether it’s Mussoorie or Rishikesh, run on a much slower clock. It’s a welcome change from the chaos of city living, but it does require patience. For example, getting construction materials or workers for home development in Chamba may take longer than you expect, but the payoff is worth it. Shaakun Khanna, who has a luxury home in Rishikesh, aptly put it, “Building a life in the hills is about slowing down and learning to be present. Luxury here is more about peace than possessions.”

Another challenge is navigating the local legal system. Acquiring property in Uttarakhand comes with its own set of regulations. You’ll need expert real estate consulting to navigate issues like land acquisition and environmental approvals. Neekoba Living handled all of this for me, ensuring that my transition was smooth and hassle-free.

However, the true magic of living in the Himalayas is the connection with nature. My home, designed with sustainable luxury in mind, blends seamlessly into the landscape. Waking up to views of the snow-capped Himalayas every morning is something that money simply can’t buy. Whether you’re in Chakrata or Tehri, the luxury of nature here is unmatched.

Building a life here means embracing both the challenges and the rewards that come with mountain living. And as I sit on my terrace, watching the sunset over the hills, I know that moving to Uttarakhand was the best decision I’ve ever made.

“Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson