Escape to Heaven: Kedarnath's Luxurious PUSPWAN Hotel & Restaurant
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the clouds – or, rather, Escape to Heaven: Kedarnath's Luxurious PUSPWAN Hotel & Restaurant. This isn't just your average hotel review; this is me, your guide, getting down and dirty with the nitty-gritty and, let's be honest, the gorgeous, breathtaking holy moly of this place.
(Disclaimer: Before we proceed, I'm just a regular person with a keyboard. My opinions are my own, and I probably missed something. Forgive me, I’m new at hotel reviewing!)
First Impressions: Getting There & Getting In (Accessibility – and Holy Himalayas!)
Okay, so Kedarnath, right? This isn't a stroll to your local grocery store. Getting there involves…well, let’s just say “spectacular views” is an understatement. Now, I didn't personally test the elevator (because…hello, Himalayas!), but I spotted signs about Facilities for disabled guests so, hopefully, they're doing their best to make it as accessible as possible in this location. Airport transfer is on the list, which is crucial. Car park [free of charge] is also a definite win in this remote location.
Once you are there, the Check-in/out [express] and Check-in/out [private] options sound lovely. I'm not sure about the Exterior corridors, because I spent the majority of my stay in a glorious, fluffy cloud.
The Room (Prepare to be Pampered)
Okay, let's talk about the real deal: MY ROOM. And it was… well, it was the kind of room you write home about, if your home was a five-star palace. Air conditioning is a blessing at this altitude - you wouldn't think you need it, but yes, you do. I had Air conditioning and Blackout curtains which was awesome if you want a proper night sleep. The Bathrobes were plush, the Bathrooms were spotless, the Bathtub made me feel like a Roman Emperor (okay, maybe a slightly damp Roman Emperor). The Bed was so comfy, it practically whispered sweet nothings in my ear and the Additional toilet was appreciated.
Available in all rooms: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.
Extra special points, I'm obsessed with: Slippers. This makes a huge difference for a messy person like me.
Internet (Because, You Know, Reality)
Let's be real: In the middle of nowhere, reliable Wi-Fi is a gift from the gods. And, praise the tech gods, Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! was a reality, and a bloody good one. Internet was good. Internet [LAN] – haven't a clue, still living in the old days, but the Wi-Fi worked, and that’s all that matters. Wi-Fi in public areas was also available, which is excellent for sharing those jaw-dropping photos on social media…because, come on, you're gonna. Did I mention Coffee/tea maker?
Food, Glorious Food (and a few rambles…)
Alright, food. I was ravenous and ready to devour everything I could find. The restaurants are worth the trip alone. You have a ton of options. They have Asian cuisine in restaurant and Western cuisine in restaurant, because, you know, choices. You can have A la carte in restaurant, Buffet in restaurant, and Breakfast [buffet]. Oh, and I was just smitten over the Poolside bar.
I'm not particularly good at fine dining so, I had to rely on what the staff suggested for me. The food was heavenly, I was so happy that I ate my weight and then some.
- Dining, drinking, and snacking
- A la carte in restaurant
- Alternative meal arrangement
- Asian breakfast
- Asian cuisine in restaurant
- Bar
- Bottle of water
- Breakfast [buffet]
- Breakfast service
- Buffet in restaurant
- Coffee/tea in restaurant
- Coffee shop
- Desserts in restaurant
- Happy hour
- International cuisine in restaurant
- Poolside bar
- Restaurants
- Room service [24-hour]
- Salad in restaurant
- Snack bar
- Soup in restaurant
- Vegetarian restaurant
- Western breakfast
- Western cuisine in restaurant
Spa Time (Pure. Bliss.)
Okay, the Spa. This is where things got… dreamy. I'm not sure if it was the altitude, the sheer beauty surrounding me, or the sheer skill of the masseuse… but my Body scrub was like a rebirth. A new me, minus the dead skin cells and plus all the stress. The Body wrap? Felt like being hugged by a cloud. They have the whole shebang: Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, and a Swimming pool [outdoor]. My recommendation: Try it. Seriously. Go. Don’t think about it. Just go.
- Spa/sauna
- Body scrub
- Body wrap
- Fitness center
- Foot bath
- Gym/fitness
- Massage
- Pool with view
- Sauna
- Spa
- Steamroom
- Swimming pool
- Swimming pool [outdoor]
Cleanliness and Safety (Because the world, right now…)
I was super relieved to find that they were serious about safety. They have Daily disinfection in common areas, which is essential these days. Hand sanitizer was everywhere, and the staff all seemed well-versed in safety protocols (Staff trained in safety protocol). There was also Professional-grade sanitizing services, Rooms sanitized between stays, and Sanitized kitchen and tableware items. All in all, it felt safe, which is a massive relief when you're trying to relax.
- Cleanliness and safety
- Anti-viral cleaning products
- Cashless payment service
- Daily disinfection in common areas
- Hand sanitizer
- Hygiene certification
- Professional-grade sanitizing services
- Rooms sanitized between stays
- Safe dining setup
- Sanitized kitchen and tableware items
- Staff trained in safety protocol
- Sterilizing equipment
Things to Do (Beyond Just… Being)
I’m going to level with you: I spent most of my time staring at the mountains. But, there’s plenty more to do if you can tear yourself away from the view. They have Shrine, so if you're religious, there's something for you.
The Weird Stuff (But in a Good Way!)
- Essential condiments are ready for you.
- Additional Toilet is amazing
- Couple's room – maybe for a romantic getaway? (I went solo!).
- Doorman – Makes you feel like a VIP.
The Nitty Gritty (Services and Conveniences)
They provide a plethora of services, including Air conditioning in public area, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Elevator, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, and Room service [24-hour].
- Services and conveniences
- Air conditioning in public area
- Audio-visual equipment for special events
- Business facilities
- Cash withdrawal
- Concierge
Alright, buckle up buttercups, 'cause we're about to dive headfirst into the chaotic, breathtaking, and probably slightly altitude-sick adventure that was my Kedarnath pilgrimage, specifically, the experience at HOTEL PUSPWAN AND RESTAURANT. Consider this less a polished itinerary and more a rambling, caffeine-fueled account of survival.
The Kedarnath Kicks: A Pilgrimage (and a Prayer for Decent Coffee)
(Day 1: The Arrival and the Altitude's Attentions)
- Morning (or what passes for it at 11,000 feet): Landed in Dehradun. Smooth. Too smooth. Like the calm before the storm of… well, altitude sickness. Took a shared helicopter ride to Guptkashi. Scenery was insane. Himalayas. Majestic. Instagram-worthy to the max. Then, the stomach started doing this weird… thing. Ugh.
- Afternoon: Reaching the Basecamp – & the Anticipation: Finally, Guptkashi, the jumping-off point. We were all dropped off at our respective hotels. I heard of the hotel only when I got there but it felt right from the get-go.
- Evening (or, again, whenever the sun decides to show up): Check-in to Hotel Puswan (finally!). Let's just say, the "luxury" described online seemed… optimistic. The room was basic, the water pressure, non existent, and the view, well, it was a view of the Himalayas. I’d expected to see them, not just know they were there. More pressing issue: The headache. The altitude was a bully. Got my registration done.
- Culinary Misadventure #1: The Dal that Defined My Trip and the Food: Dinner at Hotel Puswan’s restaurant. Prayed for something warm. The Dal Makhani wasn't just dal; it was a heart-stopping, soul-warming masterpiece. I swear, that dal saved me. That, and the piping hot roti, literally a fresh breath. The rest of the food was pretty simple but, the food never dissapointed me. I had second helpings. And third. And… well, let’s just say the waiter knew my order by heart by the end of the trip.
- The Staff, My Saviors: The hotel staff, and especially the waiter, were absolute angels. They knew I was suffering from altitude sickness and were so incredibly patient and attentive. They brought me hot water bottles (bless them), and even coaxed me into eating when I felt like I couldn't. They are really the unsung heroes.
(Day 2: The Trek Up (and the Tears Down)
- Dawn (ish): Woke up feeling like I’d been run over by a yak. Altitude sickness was kicking me in the teeth, but damn it, I was going to Kedarnath.
- Morning: The trek: We started the trek, and I’m not gonna lie, it was brutal. Hiked with a porter, which made me feel a little guilty, but my lungs felt like I'd been smoking for 50 years (I haven't!). The path was rocky, crowded, and the yak dung… well, let’s just say it added a certain aroma to the experience.
- Mid-Trek Meltdown: I stopped, like, a million times. Started crying (from the effort, the altitude, and maybe a little bit of pure exhaustion). Briefly considered turning back. Then, a little kid, maybe seven years old, scampered past me. He was running. No shoes. Just…running. I swear, that kid's smile and the sheer joy in his face shamed me into continuing. That kid was my new guru.
- Afternoon: The Temple and the Tears (of Joy). Finally, Kedarnath. The temple. The atmosphere. The sense of… something. The energy hit me like a tidal wave. It was a sensory overload of chants, bells, incense, and pure, unadulterated devotion. I actually wept again, but this time, it was out of sheer awe and gratitude. The temple was packed, but it was all worth it.
- Evening: The Descent (and the Realisation). I was exhausted. The trek back was slower. But I made it.
- The Hotel Room Redemption: Back to Hotel Puswan. Crawled into bed, feeling like jelly. Surprisingly, I just wanted to sleep after the long day.
(Day 3: Rest and the Aftermath (and the Longing)
- Morning: The Recovery Brunch Slowly making my way to the restaurant, I knew even with a slight headache, the food will make everything feel better
- Breakfast: The Dal Strikes Again: The dal was still the star. I was a little bit more cheerful after the long tiring days.
- Afternoon: Contemplation Time: I spent a lot of time just staring at the mountains. They are… humbling. I knew that I'll come back again.
- Evening: Departure and the lingering Heart: Goodbye Hotel Puswan, you beautiful, chaotic, slightly-imperfect, yet utterly charming place.
Anecdotes & Imperfections (because Life)
- The Yak Whisperer: I saw a guy talking to a yak. Seriously. He was patting it and murmuring sweet nothings. I think I now have a healthy respect for yaks.
- The Blurry Photos: My phone died approximately 20 minutes into the trek. Consequently, I have the memory of the experience and some blurry photos.
- The Coffee Quest: The desperate search for decent coffee? A never-ending saga that played out throughout the entire stay. I think I had three cups in the end.
Quirky Observations & Emotional Reactions
- The sheer contrast: The stark beauty of the Himalayas and the utter simplicity of the life there.
- The kindness of strangers: I can't even count how many people checked on me when they saw I was struggling.
- The feeling of “small”: The mountains, the temple, all make you feel insignificant, in the best possible way.
Messy Structure & Occasional Rambles
I've probably missed some stuff. I'm still processing it, honestly. It was overwhelming. It was beautiful. It was… messy.
Stronger Emotional Reactions
I can honestly say I was changed by this trip. I felt like I'd truly achieved something. I felt a genuine connection to something larger than me.
Opinionated Language & Natural Pacing
Look, if you're looking for luxury, this isn't it. But if you're looking for an authentic experience, a spiritual journey, and some seriously delicious Dal, GO. Just… be prepared for the altitude, and maybe pack some good coffee. And, for the love of all that is holy, tip the staff at Hotel Puswan. They deserve it.
In Conclusion: Hotel Puswan and the Kedarnath trek was a messy, awe-inspiring experience. It pushed me harder than I thought I could be. It taught me something valuable. I recommend it. Just… be prepared for anything. And bring your own coffee. Trust me. You'll thank me later.
Chengdu's Hidden Gem: Idyll Keywell Hotel Near Jiaotong University!
So, *is* this hotel really "Escape to Heaven?" Like, did you actually *escape* anything? My sanity? My credit card bill?
Look, the name is… ambitious. Escape to Heaven? More like *Attempt* at Escape to Heaven… and then maybe a brief, dizzying glimpse before being promptly dragged back down to earth by the sheer altitude and the price of a bottle of water. But seriously, Kedarnath is otherworldly to begin with, right? So, in that sense, yes. You're *escaping* the daily grind. And the PUSPWAN Hotel, well, it adds a whole layer of... *something*. Luxury in the Himalayas has a different vibe, you know? It's less marble floors and more... well, we'll get to that.
Okay, PUSPWAN. That name... what's *that* about? Sounds like a… I don't even know!
I have NO idea. Honestly, I spent a good part of my first day muttering it under my breath. "PUSPWAN... PUSPWAN... Is it supposed to be a flower? A greeting? The sound of a particularly stubborn yak?" I suspect it's an acronym of some sort, maybe a family name? Or perhaps it’s just pure, unadulterated marketing genius. It’s memorable, that’s for sure. It's like they’re daring you to forget it. And trust me, after a few days battling the elements and the altitude, you'll be mumbling it in your sleep.
The *luxury* part. What's luxurious in Kedarnath? I picture mud huts and yak dung fires.
Alright, adjust your expectations. "Luxury" in Kedarnath is a *relative* term. Imagine a five-star hotel that’s been teleported to the side of a mountain. You get central heating (major win!), actual flushing toilets (another major win!), and rooms that aren't *actively* attempting to merge with the outside world. The beds are comfortable, the blankets are warm (SO important), and the hot water? Sweet mercy, the hot water. However, don't go expecting a jacuzzi and a personal butler, it's more about the sheer *convenience* and the fact that you AREN'T freezing. The view from my balcony? Breathtaking, until the fog rolled in and I couldn't see past my own nose. That's Kedarnath for you!
And the food at the PUSPWAN Restaurant? I've got high hopes… are they destined to be dashed?
Oh, the restaurant! Here's the thing. The food is... a mixed bag. Look, they're getting ingredients *up* to Kedarnath! That alone deserves a medal. But let's be honest, after a long day of trekking, anything that isn't raw yak meat probably tastes fantastic. They offer a decent variety–Indian, continental, what have you. The aloo paratha are legendary (especially for breakfast – fuel for the pilgrim!), but the pasta... well, let's just say it's not the Italian chef's finest hour. I did get a truly *amazing* veg thali one night, and a truly... forgettable pizza the next. It's an adventure. You have to embrace the imperfections. Honestly, the view from the restaurant, out onto the mountain? It makes up for a lot.
Okay, spill the tea. What was the *most* memorable experience, good or bad? Let's get the gory details.
Alright, here it comes. I ordered a coffee. A *simple* coffee, right? "Black coffee, please." The waiter, bless his soul, seems genuinely happy to take my order. Then, the wait. The glorious, agonizing wait. I watch the sunrise, the clouds rolling in, the other guests already deep into their breakfasts. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the coffee arrives. It's a tiny, lukewarm cup, but I'm so desperate for caffeine that I take a huge gulp. And... it's *instant*. Not just instant, but *really* instant. You know, that stuff that looks like dirt and tastes vaguely of burnt rubber. I wanted to laugh. I wanted to cry. I wanted to throw the coffee at a passing snow leopard (which, let's be honest, was unlikely). But instead, I just... drank it. And, you know what? In that moment? Looking at the breathtaking view of the mountains and knowing I was in one of the most remote places on Earth? That instant coffee was the most delicious thing I'd ever tasted. That moment defined the whole darn trip. It was absolute, unadulterated Kedarnath in a cup.
Speaking of "Remote"... how's the Wi-Fi? Don't lie to me!
HAHAHAHAHAHA! Okay, deep breaths. Wi-Fi. Yes. They *have* Wi-Fi. *Allegedly*. It’s more like: Wi-Fi-ish. Maybe. Sometimes. Think of it as a rumor. A distant whisper on the Himalayan winds. Be prepared to disconnect. Fully. Embrace the silence. Learn to enjoy the sound of the wind, the crunch of your boots on the path. Seriously, just accept that you will be without the internet. And that is okay. In fact, it is marvelous.
Is it actually worth the money? Because Kedarnath ain't cheap, and this hotel sounds like a gamble.
Look, it's expensive. No two ways about it. You’re paying for convenience, relative comfort, and the experience of being in Kedarnath. Is it *worth* it? That depends on your priorities. If you crave absolute luxury and perfect service, then maybe not. If you want an experience, a story to tell, a memory etched in your soul? Then, absolutely. The PUSPWAN Hotel isn't perfect. It's… human. And in a place as majestic and unforgiving as Kedarnath, that's kind of a beautiful thing. I'd go back in a heartbeat and maybe, just maybe, order two cups of that instant coffee.
Any packing Advice? Especially for the hotel?
Pack warm! Layers are your best friend. Bring a good down jacket, waterproof boots, and a hat that covers your ears. Don't be afraid to overpack on warm socks. For the hotel, earplugs (because, mountain sounds!), a power bank (charging stations are precious!), and a good book. And a sense of humor. Most importantly, bring aHotel Haven Now
