How are traditional rural houses in Uttarakhand built?

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Uttarakhand Bathing ghats on the Bhagirathi River at Gangotri, Uttarakhand, India.

Traditional rural houses in Uttarakhand are typically constructed as two-story structures designed to accommodate both human residents and livestock, with the lower level often reserved for animals.1

These homes are primarily built using local stone, which is held together by mud mortar. For roofing, builders generally utilize slate tiles or corrugated iron sheets. While these traditional dwellings often feature fewer amenities than urban housing, the expansion of infrastructure and access to modern utilities are increasingly integrating these rural communities into the broader state and national society.1