We were winners of the Wild Asia Responsible Tourism Award for Community-based Homestays recently. This award forms part of the Mahindra Homestays programme, providing visitors with an insight into the culture, traditions, history and everyday family life in Spiti in the trans-Himalayan belt of Himachal Pradesh in India.

Homestay guests can experience Spiti’s “breathless” beauty at an average altitude of 4000m by staying with a choice of 15 families in their homes, some located in Komic, the world’s highest permanently inhabited village. Adrenaline junkies can opt for high-altitude trekking, mountain biking, river rafting or a yak safari.

Tourism to this region provides sustainable livelihoods for the community and a means of preserving the natural and cultural heritage. The local people also earn extra income from guiding, handicraft sales and cultural performances. Tourism now provides significantly additional income to the local community and helps these communities to improve their livelihoods.

This is the third year of the Wild Asia Responsible Tourism Awards, set-up by conservation group, WA. The Awards showcase exemplary resorts and small- community based ventures that are committed to sustainable practices.

Cut off from the rest of the world for six months of the year, the best time to experience this stunning region of India is from April to October. The cost including a guide for the duration of the Spiti Homestay is £35 per couple per night and includes all meals. For further information and reservations visit http://www.mahindrahomestays.com or call 0203 140 8422.