🐾
Free
Pet charge
🏔️
5 min
Drive to lake
🏡
Up to 8
Guests (full cottage)
Ethnic Trail Homestay is a Dharchula-style wooden heritage cottage tucked into the quiet village of Thapaliya Mehragaon, about five minutes from Naukuchiatal Lake. Dogs and cats are welcome at no extra charge, the hosts keep their own pets on property, and the trails literally start at the front door — which makes this one of the more genuinely dog-friendly bases in the Kumaon hills.
✓ Confirmed by the property
Ethnic Trail Homestay has confirmed that pets are welcome at no charge. Dogs and cats are both allowed. The property lists pet-friendly as a standard amenity across its booking profiles. Guest reviews independently reference dogs being welcomed by the hosts and their own resident pets — a cocker spaniel and an indie dog.
The Stay Itself
The cottage is built in traditional Dharchula architecture — warm natural wood interiors, sun-drenched attic rooms, and private balconies with mountain views. You can book individual rooms or take over the full cottage for up to eight guests, which works well for multi-dog families who want the run of the space. Amenities are solid for a heritage homestay: high-speed WiFi, room service, housekeeping, extra-long beds, and a coffee and tea maker in the room. Air conditioning is available in some rooms. The hosts serve home-cooked Kumaoni meals and are known to adapt dishes to guest preferences — multiple reviewers call out the food specifically. Breakfast is available at an extra charge.
For Dogs: Trails and Space
The Thapalia Mehra Gaon Pine Walk steps out directly from the property onto quiet, pine-scented village trails — low gradient, easy underfoot, and far from traffic. The property's own website describes this walk as an absolute paradise for pets travelling with their owners. For more adventurous outings, the surrounding hills have seasonal waterfalls and deeper forest treks; the hosts can connect you with local guides. Naukuchiatal Lake is a five-minute drive away for lakeside walks, though the lake itself is noted as the deepest in the region.
⚠️ Safety Note: Naukuchiatal Lake
Naukuchiatal Lake is described as the deepest lake in the region. Keep dogs on leash near the water's edge, particularly during or after monsoon when banks can be slippery and water levels unpredictable.
What Guests with Dogs Are Saying
Several verified guest reviews specifically mention travelling with dogs — including a GSD owner who called the homestay "everything we hoped for and beyond." One reviewer noted that their dog was greeted by the hosts' own resident pets, a cocker spaniel and an indie, and had a memorable time with them. Another described the property as a serene getaway with "sweet little companions in the form of two loving dogs" on site. The overall Google rating sits at 4.8/5. The hosts — including a host named Santosh and another named Naman referenced in reviews — come up repeatedly for warmth and attentiveness. The Dharchula-style wooden house also offers ample open space for pets to roam across the grounds.
