Khati · the last village
KHATI, UTTARAKHAND · PINDARI VALLEY, KUMAON
One of the last inhabited villages in the Pindari valley, reached only on foot.
Khati is among the last inhabited villages in the Pindari valley of the Kumaon region in Uttarakhand, surrounded by dense vegetation and the snow-capped Himalayas. Due to the absence of direct motorable road access, the village remains largely undisturbed by external influences. For over a century, Khati has been frequented by trekkers. During this period, the community has sustained itself by engaging with its ecosystems, assisting visiting trekkers, and tending to farms and livestock. The community's resilience and adaptability are evident in their ability to thrive despite significant hardships. This study documents the traditional knowledge and building practices of such remote, self-reliant communities
WHAT WE ARE DOCUMENTING
Stone-and-slate construction techniques are adapted to withstand heavy snow loads. Water access and management strategies are developed for a roadless settlement. Dwellings are integrated with livestock, and the subsistence-plus-trekking economy significantly influences spatial organisation and building practices.
THE DISTINCTIVE CONDITION
The absence of roads is not merely a limitation; it is the defining characteristic of Khati. All construction materials are either sourced locally or transported manually. This radical locality in material sourcing underscores the significance of Khati as a subject of study.
