The Earthship
A pioneering feat of sustainable architecture in the Himalayan foothills — where rammed earth, reclaimed wood, and ancient building wisdom come together.
Building the First Earthship in Uttarakhand
The Earthship Homestay is the second earthship ever built in all of India and the first of its kind in the state of Uttarakhand. Inspired by architect Michael Reynolds' earth-vessel concept, the structure was built from the ground up using rammed earth tires as its primary load-bearing walls, creating a thermal mass that naturally regulates interior temperature year-round.
Reclaimed wood sourced from local demolition sites forms the beams, lintels, and door frames, giving the building character while keeping new timber out of the equation. Hundreds of glass bottles were embedded into the walls, casting colourful shafts of light through the interior while providing structural strength. Natural insulation made from locally available materials keeps the earthship cool in summer and warm through the cold Himalayan winters.
The construction was a true community effort. Volunteers from around the world travelled to this small village in Uttarakhand to pack tires, lay bottles, and raise walls alongside local craftspeople. The result is more than a building — it is a living testament to what collaborative, low-impact construction can achieve.
Sustainability Features
Every element of the earthship was designed to minimise environmental impact and maximise harmony with the surrounding landscape.
Zero Carbon Footprint
Constructed entirely from recycled and natural materials — rammed earth tires, glass bottles, and reclaimed wood — with no concrete or steel.
Renewable Energy
Solar panels provide all the electricity the property needs, keeping the homestay completely off the conventional power grid.
Water Recycling
An integrated greywater system recycles and filters used water for garden irrigation, reducing freshwater consumption significantly.
Natural Temperature Regulation
Thick rammed earth walls absorb heat during the day and release it at night, maintaining a comfortable interior without mechanical heating or cooling.
Yogi Amitram's Vision
Yogi Amitram, the founder of Rishikesh Yogashram, envisioned a place where the principles of sustainability and spiritual practice are not separate pursuits but one and the same. He believed that caring for the earth is itself a form of devotion, and that the spaces we inhabit shape the depth of our inner work.
The earthship is the cornerstone of a larger eco-community vision — a living model that demonstrates how human habitation can exist in balance with nature. From organic permaculture gardens and solar energy to rainwater harvesting and waste-free living, every aspect of the property reflects this philosophy.
Guests who stay here become part of that vision. Whether practising yoga at sunrise, meditating in the crystal cave, or simply breathing in the mountain air, every experience is grounded in the conviction that a sustainable way of life is not only possible but deeply fulfilling.
Photo Gallery
A glimpse into the construction, design, and daily life at the earthship.
