Priti’s journey to Spacehouse Himalayas
Spacehouse founder and owner Priti Rao only meant to visit the Himalayas for seven days, but the mountains were so transformative she ended up staying for seven years. Years later, unable to forget her experience after living in Europe and California, Priti returned, and with help from family and friends purchased the land on which Spacehouse now stands.
“The only thought at the time was - I don’t know where I want to live, but I know where I want to die - and that’s in the lap of the Himalayas with possibly the best view for many lifetimes ahead.”
Building Spacehouse has been a 15 year creative pilgrimage for Priti. Many of her friends - artists, writers, designers across the globe have been part of this journey and helped shape Spacehouse. What was once just an empty acre of terrace farm and a dream is now a temporary home for anyone who seeks creative enlightenment in these magical mountains. As a creative herself, Priti hopes Spacehouse will cultivate the next generation of creative leaders and makers, nourishing them with the same Himalayan nature, light and space that has always nourished her soul.
Your journey to Spacehouse Himalayas
Getting to Spacehouse is like going on a pilgrimage. You cannot rush it. Intentionality is everything to reach the mountains. Your journey starts at Delhi or Pantnagar airport where one of our trusted drivers awaits. We advise planning your trip in a way to reach Spacehouse in time for your first Himalayan sunset.
The drive to Spacehouse from Pantnagar airport is a 3 hour journey through teak, oak and pine forests. As you start climbing higher you will be surrounded by gentle terraced villages, dotted with traditional mountain houses, and lush apple and peach orchards. You arrive in the serene hilltop village of Satoli, 1,850 meters above sea level, and step out of the car, taking the first of many grounding breaths of the Himalayan air.
The final part of your journey to Spacehouse is the most beautiful and scenic, a leisurely 20-minute hike that takes you along village paths and through ancient oak and rhododendron forests. There’s no rush. You are on Spacehouse time now. You can take as many rests as you want along the way. Our team will take care of your luggage.
At the end of your walk a house of red cedar and golden stones appears through the trees, and you step through the hand-carved doors into Spacehouse. Dinner is already underway, with delicious smells wafting out of the kitchen. Your luggage is waiting for you in one of the four bedrooms, along with the quietest sleep you’ll ever have in your life. You step out onto the terrace, drinking in the magnificent views, as the sun begins to set below the peaks of Trishul, Nanda Devi, and Nandakot. You’ve now truly arrived at Spacehouse.