There’s something irresistibly poetic about sipping coffee in the mountains. The air is crisper, the silence deeper, and the coffee—somehow richer. In the heart of the Kumaon Himalayas, where pine forests whisper stories and clouds brush past your window, a quiet coffee culture is brewing. And if you’re staying at Akasa Himalayan Glamping in Hartola, you’re perfectly placed to discover it.
Though Kumaon isn’t traditionally known as a coffee-growing region, a new wave of local cafes and mindful brewing practices is redefining what a mountain coffee experience feels like. It’s not about fast-paced cafés or overcomplicated menus—it’s about slowing down, taking in your surroundings, and letting a single cup of coffee warm more than just your hands.
The Aroma of the Hills: How Kumaon Found Its Brew
While tea has long reigned supreme in the Himalayan regions, Kumaon’s evolving palate is making space for coffee—especially among travellers and locals seeking depth and warmth in their brews. The increasing presence of boutique cafés, small-batch roasters, and locally inspired coffee pairings is a reflection of this shift.
Here, coffee isn’t rushed. It’s savoured. It comes with stories. And often, it’s served with a side of Himalayan view.
Cafés Worth Exploring Near Akasa
While Hartola itself is a quiet, forested village dotted with orchard homes and dreamy pine trails, you don’t have to venture too far for a good cup of coffee paired with an equally good view.
1. The Kumaoni Farm Café, Dhulai (Bhimtal)
A short, scenic drive from Akasa, this café sits perched on terraced hillsides and offers a true farm-to-cup experience. Think locally sourced milk, herbs, and produce, all served in a charming mud-plastered cottage. Their French press brew and mountain views are the kind of pairing that lingers in your memory long after you leave.
2. Café Kumaon Local, Bhimtal
This café is deeply rooted in the ethos of the region. You’ll find classic Kumaoni dishes served alongside strong cups of coffee, brewed fresh and unpretentious. Sit by the window, let the breeze carry the aroma of roasted beans, and settle into a rhythm that’s uniquely Kumaon.
3. Alhito Café, Kasar Devi
The name itself means “Let’s Go” in Kumaoni—and once you reach, you’ll wish you didn’t have to. A beautiful confluence of heritage architecture and laid-back café vibes, Alhito serves excellent pour-over coffee, best enjoyed while overlooking the sacred ridge of Kasar Devi. On clear days, the views stretch all the way to the snowy peaks of Trishul and Nanda Devi.
4. I Heart Café, Pangot Road (near Nainital)
This spot is a favorite among artists, writers, and remote workers who come here for both the coffee and the calm. Their cappuccinos are strong, their pastries are homemade, and the rustic wooden interiors make it feel like you’ve stepped into a storybook.
Tradition in Every Sip: Kumaoni Brewing Practices
Beyond these cafés, you’ll find that many local households in the region have their own quiet rituals around coffee. Coffee is often brewed in brass vessels over wood-fired stoves—infused not just with smoky notes, but with the unmistakable essence of mountain living.
Conversations here don’t happen over espresso shots; they unfold slowly, over a long pour and longer pauses. It’s a different kind of café culture—one that values presence over pace.
Coffee at Akasa: Where Stillness Meets Flavour
At Akasa Himalayan Glamping, coffee isn’t just served—it’s experienced.
- Morning Brews on Your Private Deck: Wake up to a gentle drizzle, pull a blanket over your shoulders, and cradle a hot cup of locally roasted coffee as the mist drifts through the forest.
- Seasonal Pairings: Akasa’s kitchen often pairs fresh brews with homemade Kumaoni biscuits or millet pancakes, creating a rustic yet refined flavour palette.
- Evening Bonfire Sips: As the night falls and the stars come out, there’s something beautifully grounding about sipping slow-brewed coffee beside a glowing fire pit, the stillness around as comforting as the cup in your hands.
A Journey That Starts with a Cup
Exploring Kumaon’s emerging coffee culture is more than a caffeine fix—it’s an invitation to discover the slow pleasures of the mountains. The kind where every cup holds a story. Of where the beans came from. Of who brewed them. Of the view that accompanied it.
So if you find yourself at Akasa, make time for a detour to these hillside cafés. Let the warmth of Kumaoni hospitality fill your cup. Let the landscape stir your senses. And most importantly, let yourself linger.
Because in Kumaon, coffee isn’t just a drink. It’s a moment. And at Akasa, it’s a moment you’ll never forget.
Plan your stay at Akasa Himalayan Glamping and set out to explore the cafés, cups, and cultures of Kumaon—one beautiful brew at a time.
