Most travelers floc to Bir for paragliding and cafes, often overlooking the serene beauty of its neighbor, Chauntra. Located just a stone’s throw away, Chauntra offers the peace that Bir sometimes loses to crowds.
The Tea Gardens
Did you know Chauntra is home to lush, sprawling tea estates? A morning walk through these manicured green slopes, with the snow-capped Dhauladhars in the background, is pure therapy. It’s a photographer’s paradise minus the tourists.
The Tibetan Monasteries
While Bir has the famous Sherabling, Chauntra hosts several quieter, equally majestic monasteries. The vibe here is less about tourism and more about authentic spiritual practice. You can sit for hours in meditation without distraction.
The Glacial Stream
Nadantar Stays is situated right next to a perennial glacial stream. This isn’t just a water body; it’s an ecosystem. Early mornings bring rare Himalayan birds, and the sound of the flowing water creates a natural white noise that induces deep sleep better than any app.
Why Stay in Chauntra?
Staying in Chauntra gives you the best of both worlds. You are 15 minutes from the paragliding landing site and the buzzing cafes of Bir, yet you return to a sanctuary of absolute silence at night. It is the secret that long-term travelers are slowly discovering.
Harshit Gupta
Writer and storyteller at Nadantar.