Experience a Forgotten British Hill Station with Original Stone Bungalows at 2100 Metres in Kumaon
Abbott Mount is home to 16 original British-era bungalows built in the early 20th century by John Harold Abbott, a British planter who established this private hill station in 1913. Perched at around 2100 metres in Champawat district, these stone-built bungalows with sloping tin roofs, wide wooden verandahs and fireplaces are among the best-preserved examples of colonial hill architecture in Kumaon. Several bungalows have been converted into heritage homestays and guesthouses, offering visitors a rare opportunity to experience life as the British sahibs once did.
The settlement feels like a time capsule — the forested estate, the old church, the overgrown tennis court and the silent bungalows all speak of a lost era. Staying in one of these bungalows is itself the main attraction for many visitors. Walking trails connect the properties through oak and rhododendron forests, and the views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks are spectacular on clear days. Abbott Mount attracts travellers seeking solitude, heritage and nature far from the usual tourist circuit.
April to June for pleasant weather and forest walks. September to November for clear Himalayan views. Winter (December–February) offers snow and cosy fireside stays but roads may be icy.
Nearest railway: Tanakpur (92 km). Taxi to Lohaghat then 12 km to Abbott Mount.
Bus to Lohaghat; shared taxi or private cab from Lohaghat to Abbott Mount.
12 km from Lohaghat; 28 km from Champawat; 92 km from Tanakpur.