American travellers, small-group organisers and importers often ask the same first questions about a village stay in the Indian Himalaya: do I need a visa, when should I go, and what will the days look like? This guide answers them from official sources and from our own programme description.
The India e-Tourist Visa
The official Indian e-Visa page lists the USA among the countries whose citizens can apply. Key points from that page:
- Tourism-type travel is covered (recreation, sightseeing, visiting friends and relatives). You need a return or onward ticket and sufficient funds.
- The passport must be valid for at least six months at application and have at least two blank pages.
- The page lists a 30-day multiple-entry visa, one-year and five-year multiple-entry visas (maximum stay 180 days in a calendar year) and a six-month e-T2.
- Apply at least four days before arrival, up to 120 days ahead. The authorisation should show "GRANTED" before you fly.
- The fee depends on nationality and is not refundable whether or not the visa is granted.
- The e-Visa is not valid for protected, restricted or cantonment areas without prior permission.
Use only the official portal, https://indianvisaonline.gov.in. Before you book, read the U.S. Department of State's travel advisory for India and speak to a travel-health clinic. We do not process visas or give immigration advice.
What a stay involves
Our agro-tourism page describes day visits, multi-night homestay circuits, an Aipan art workshop, group retreats and buyer tours across Kumaon and Garhwal in Uttarakhand. Itineraries begin in Dehradun, with mountain transfers arranged on our side. The programme depends on the season, host availability and road conditions, and it is confirmed in writing before travel. Pricing is on request, and flights, insurance and personal purchases are quoted separately unless stated.
Good first reading: how to plan a village farm visit, the Uttarakhand homestay scheme and visiting a village responsibly.
Season
March to June and September to November are generally comfortable for walking in Uttarakhand, according to our planning guidance. Monsoon and winter routes depend on district, altitude and road access. Check the harvest calendar.
For importers and brand owners
If you import food or craft products, a buyer familiarisation tour lets you see our Self-Help Group facilities and packing units before you commit to a bulk or private-label order. Tell us your products. See our guides to sea buckthorn, Gucchi morel and Himalayan grains. Rules for importing and labelling food in the United States are set by US agencies, and you should confirm them with your import adviser. We give no regulatory guidance here.
Next steps
- Decide dates and group size.
- Send an enquiry through the agro-tourism page or the contact form.
- Review the written itinerary.
- Apply for your visa once dates are fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can US citizens apply for the Indian e-Visa?
The official page lists the USA among eligible countries. Check it for current conditions.
How early should I apply?
At least four days before arrival, and up to 120 days ahead.
Where do tours start?
In Dehradun, with managed transfers to partner villages.
Is this a group tour?
Programmes can be arranged for families, small private groups, teams and trade buyers. We confirm group size when we send the proposal.
Last updated: 18 October 2026.
Sources: Government of India, Indian Visa Online, e-Tourist Visa, read on 18 October 2026; U.S. Department of State, Travel Advisories; Himalayan Region agro-tourism page. General information, not immigration or legal advice.