House Rules & Guest Guidelines

Pahadi House is more than a place to stay — it’s a way of being. Our properties sit within living mountain ecosystems, beside traditional villages, and under open Himalayan skies. These guidelines help us protect this environment, respect our communities, and create a peaceful experience for everyone.

We ask every guest to travel the pahadi way — with mindfulness, respect, and a gentle footprint.

🏔️ General Guidelines

Arrival & Departure

• Check-in: 1:00 PM (George Everest, Kanatal) / 12:00 PM (Himalayan Ganga Retreat)
• Check-out: 11:00 AM at all properties
• Please carry a valid government-issued photo ID — it’s mandatory at check-in
• Foreign nationals must carry a valid passport (required for C-Form filing)
• Inform us if you’ll arrive after 6:00 PM — mountain roads are best navigated in daylight

Quiet Hours

• 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM — We keep our nights peaceful so everyone can wake with the mountains
• No loud music, speakers, or amplified sound after 10:00 PM
• Conversations and laughter are always welcome — just be mindful of fellow guests

Personal Belongings

• Pahadi House is not responsible for loss, theft, or damage to personal belongings
• Keep valuables secure and with you at all times
• Avoid leaving electronics, wallets, or important documents unattended in tents or common areas

🍃 Environmental Responsibility

These mountains are our home. We ask you to treat them as yours.

Leave No Trace

• Do not litter. Use designated waste bins and follow waste segregation (wet/dry/recyclable)
• Carry a reusable water bottle — we discourage single-use plastic at all our properties
• If you trek or walk beyond the property, bring back everything you carry out
• Do not pluck wildflowers, break branches, or disturb the natural landscape

Water Conservation

• Mountain water is precious. Please use water mindfully — short showers, turning off taps when not in use
• At George Everest Camping, water is sourced locally and is limited — please be especially conscious

Energy

• Switch off lights and fans when you leave your tent or room
• Power supply may be limited at eco-camp locations — we use solar and generator backup where possible
• Please do not use high-wattage appliances (hair dryers, electric heaters) unless specifically permitted

🔥 Fire Safety

Campfires & Bonfires

• Bonfires are arranged by Pahadi House staff in designated fire pits only — weather and forest department regulations permitting
• Do not start your own fire anywhere on the property or in surrounding forest areas
• Keep a safe distance from the bonfire. Avoid wearing loose or synthetic clothing near fire
• Children must be supervised near fire at all times
• Ensure all fires are fully extinguished before leaving the area — our staff will handle this

Smoking

• Smoking is strictly prohibited inside all tents, rooms, cottages, and dining areas
• Smoke only in designated outdoor areas
• Dispose of cigarette butts properly — never on the ground or into vegetation
• During dry season, forest fire risk is high. Careless smoking can endanger the entire area

🐾 Wildlife & Nature

Respect the Animals

• Do not feed monkeys, langurs, birds, or any wild animals
• Do not approach, chase, or attempt to touch wildlife
• Store all food inside closed containers — never leave food in the open or in your tent
• If you encounter a snake or unfamiliar animal, stay calm, maintain distance, and inform our staff

Nature Walks & Trails

• Stay on marked trails and paths
• Do not wander into the forest alone, especially after dark
• Wear appropriate footwear — sturdy shoes with grip, not sandals or flip-flops
• Carry a torch/flashlight for evening walks
• Inform the host/staff before heading out on any independent walk or hike

🍽️ Meals & Dining

Meal Timings

Meal timings vary by property and season. Your host will share the schedule at check-in. Generally:

Food Guidelines

• Meals are served at fixed times — please be punctual to avoid waste
• Inform us of dietary restrictions or allergies at least 48 hours before arrival
• We serve authentic pahadi cuisine made with locally sourced, organic ingredients wherever possible
• Outside food is not encouraged in dining areas, but please feel free to carry personal snacks
• No food inside tents — this attracts insects and animals (especially at George Everest and Kanatal)

🚭 Alcohol & Substances

• Alcohol: Permitted in moderation at designated areas. Pahadi House may serve alcohol at some properties or allow guests to bring their own (BYOB). Specifics will be shared at check-in
• Excessive intoxication that disturbs other guests or puts safety at risk will not be tolerated
• Illegal substances are strictly prohibited at all Pahadi House properties. Possession or consumption will result in immediate removal without refund and reporting to local authorities
• Guests under the influence of alcohol or substances will not be permitted to participate in adventure activities

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Children & Families

• Children are welcome at all Pahadi House properties
• Children must be supervised at all times by a parent or guardian, especially near:
• Bonfires and fire pits
• Water bodies (river, streams)
• Cliff edges and steep terrain
• Wildlife areas
• Specific age requirements apply for adventure activities — please check the Guest Safety Disclaimer
• Pahadi House does not provide dedicated childcare or babysitting services

🐕 Pets

• Pets are welcome at Himalayan Ganga Retreat only. George Everest Camping and Kanatal do not currently accept pets
• Please read our detailed Pet Policy before travelling with your pet
• Pet owners must ensure their pets do not disturb other guests, damage property, or harm wildlife

📸 Photography & Drones

Photography

• You’re welcome to photograph our properties, landscapes, and your experiences
• Please ask permission before photographing local villagers, families, or children
• Respect other guests’ privacy — do not photograph or video other guests without their consent
• Photos taken at Pahadi House properties may be shared on social media, but please tag us @pahadihouse

Drones

• Drone use is not permitted at any Pahadi House property without prior written approval
• Drones may disturb wildlife, other guests, and violate aviation regulations
• If you wish to fly a drone for professional/commercial purposes, please request permission in advance via email

🙏 Respecting Local Culture

Pahadi House is deeply rooted in pahadi (mountain) culture. We ask guests to honour this:

• Be respectful when visiting temples and religious sites (e.g., Surkanda Devi Temple near Kanatal)
• Remove shoes before entering temple premises
• Dress modestly — cover shoulders and knees
• Follow the customs of the place
• When visiting traditional villages, be courteous. Ask before entering homes. Respect privacy
• Our hosts and staff are local community members — treat them with the warmth and respect they extend to you
• Learn a few words of the local language — a simple “Namaste” goes a long way

⚠️ Property Damage

• Guests are financially responsible for any damage caused to Pahadi House property during their stay, including:
• Tents, tent equipment, and furnishings
• Cottages, rooms, and fixtures
• Outdoor furniture and campsite equipment
• Communal facilities and washrooms
• Damage costs will be assessed by Pahadi House management and charged to the guest
• Accidental damage should be reported to staff immediately

🚫 Right to Refuse or Remove

Pahadi House reserves the right to refuse check-in or ask guests to leave — without refund — if:

• Guest behaviour is aggressive, threatening, or disruptive
• Guest violates house rules, especially regarding fire safety, substances, or wildlife
• Guest causes damage to property or the environment
• Guest makes other guests or staff feel unsafe or uncomfortable

In all such cases, the decision of Pahadi House management is final.

Questions?

If you have any questions about our house rules, please don’t hesitate to ask your host or contact us:

Pahadi House Rishikesh Himalayas, Uttarakhand, India

• Email: depahadihouse@gmail.com
• Phone: +91-9528730156 / +91-9528730156
• WhatsApp: +91-9012166400 / +91-9528730156

These aren’t restrictions — they’re rhythms. The rhythm of the mountains, the forest, and the pahadi way of life. Thank you for being part of it.

Pahadi House — Where Time Slows Down