News · By ILA Infra · 2 min read
GMVN guest houses run at 32-35% occupancy, but Dehradun, Mussoorie and Rishikesh fill 50-70%: what it says to homestay owners
The state's Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN) is rebuilding its website and booking system. Its 94 guest houses average 32-35% occupancy this year, but those in Dehradun, Mussoorie, Rishikes
What GMVN said
Pioneer Edge reported on 15 October 2026 that GMVN plans to upgrade its website and online booking system. Managing director Sandeep Tiwari said the changes would bring real-time booking tracking, an easier booking process and clearer information about rooms.
Occupancy. The report said GMVN runs 94 guest houses across Uttarakhand, with average occupancy of 32-35% in the current financial year. Guest houses in Rishikesh, Mussoorie, Kanatal, Dehradun, Badrinath and Kedarnath recorded 50-70%.
Money. GMVN earned about ₹23 crore from February to September 2026, the report said, and has an annual turnover of about ₹500 crore. It has set aside ₹4 crore for repairs to a guest house in Dehradun and ₹3.5 crore for Bharat Bhoomi in Rishikesh.
No new guest houses. Tiwari said there is no proposal to add to the network for now, and that any partnership with the private sector would need government approval.
What it means for homestay and guest-house owners
This section is our view.
The demand is in a few places. A state-run network averaging about a third full, while its Dehradun, Mussoorie and Rishikesh properties fill half to two-thirds, matches what private hosts tell us: location decides occupancy. A room an hour's drive off the main circuits needs a reason to visit.
Booking is where guests are won. GMVN is investing in online booking because that is how guests choose. For a small host, that means good photos, a clear price, quick replies and a listing on the platforms guests use.
Register before you list. Uttarakhand requires homestays to be registered. Our post on the state's homestay rules explains how, and our post on the Nainital homestay crackdown shows what happens to hosts who skip it.
Winter is coming. With the Char Dham temples closing for the season, hill stays near Dehradun and Mussoorie are what remain open. Our post on winter tourism in 2026 covers the season.
If you have a stay to list, or want to book one, see stays in Dehradun on ILA Infra.
Sources
Buying or selling property in Dehradun and unsure about the paperwork? Call Neeraj Thapa on +91 98320 03494.
How we write these: the ILA Infra team reads the reports listed under Sources and links every one, so you can check each figure yourself. The section on what it means for buyers is our own view, not advice.
