About Us

Our Story

SHIVAYA Since 1953 – A Century of Legacy, Service & Soul

Welcome to SHIVAYA Since 1953, a forest-fringed ancestral retreat in the heart of Mukteshwar, Uttarakhand — standing strong for over 100 years, with roots as deep as the Devdhar trees around it.
Our story began in the early 1900s, when my grandfather — a World War II veteran who served under the British Army — built this humble home in the Kumaon hills. What started as a two-room shelter became a sacred place of rest, nature, and discipline for our family. He passed on his values of courage and simplicity to his two sons — both of whom joined the Indian Army.
My father served in the Corps of Military Police (CMP) for over 32 years, proudly contributing as a Kargil War veteran. We grew up shifting from one Army posting to another across India, studying in various Army Public Schools and deeply absorbing the discipline, resilience, and rooted pride that comes with the olive green.

After completing my engineering from Pantnagar, I pursued a corporate career in the agriculture and tractor industry for six years. But in 2014, I took a bold leap back to the mountains — drawn by the silence, the stories, and the soul of my ancestral land. Over the last 11 years, I’ve rebuilt this property from a forgotten structure into a boutique, heritage-inspired, luxury homestay — all while keeping its original spirit alive.
During the COVID years, I realigned my purpose once again — pursuing my lifelong passion for fitness. Today, I also lead a high-impact CrossFit community in Gurgaon while continuing to evolve SHIVAYA into a sanctuary for those who crave nature, nostalgia, and self-reconnection.
Every room here tells a story — of war heroes, wood-fired kitchens, snowfall in silence, and the discipline of three generations.
We invite you to experience not just a stay, but a story.
– Saurabh Thapa Son of a Veteran, Founder of SHIVAYA Since 1953

ABOUT THE PROPERTY

Where Ancestry Meets Architecture — At the Zero Point of Mukteshwar SHIVAYA Since 1953 is not just a boutique homestay — it's a living legacy of Kumaoni tradition, military honour, and mindful architecture.
Located right at Chauli Ki Jaali (0.0m / Zero Point), SHIVAYA is the only property in Mukteshwar nestled at this spiritual and scenic landmark. Just a 5-minute walk (200m) from the sacred Mukteshwar Dham Temple, it offers unmatched access to serenity, sacredness, and sweeping Himalayan views.
Wake up to the grandeur of Nanda Devi, Trishul, Chaukhamba, Panchachuli, Kedarnath, and more — all visible from your room balconies and the 360° glasshouse restaurant, surrounded by ancient oak and deodar forests.

The property features six thoughtfully designed rooms: Three mud-plastered heritage rooms (The 1953 Cave, The Vintage Room, Mountain Hut) — restored from the original ancestral home Three architectural luxury rooms (The Wild Attic, The Sunset Bay Window, Forest Cabin) — built with panoramic windows, modern shapes, and stargazing-friendly roofs Every corner of SHIVAYA reflects warmth, silence, stories, and soul.

What to Expect:

Nearby Spiritual & Scenic Spots:

Shivaya Homestay

Main Facilities

Beautiful Location

Property is north facing so has the best view of Himalayan range and cold waves most of the time.

High Speed Wifi

We provide free wifi to our customers and this is a great addon to have.

Cozy Room

Rooms are equipped with good Wi-Fi connection and is free of cost.

Shivaya Homestay

Our Awards