Housing-

Residential houses in Chamoli are devoid of any specific constructional planning and created in clusters near water springs or river banks. Generally, these dwellings are double-storeyed and made of stone, equipped with courtyards at the front known as 'Chauk'. One can reach the second storey which is 2.1 metres in height with the aide of a wooden or mud staircase. 'Patals' or quartzite slabs are employed to build the roofs of such houses, which are sloped. Galvanized iron sheets are utilized as materials to construct the roof, by the wealthy inhabitants of Chamoli. Balconies are also present, adjoining the upper storeys. Certain houses possess five or even six storeys, wherein the uppermost storey is used as household kitchens. The cattle sheds are built at a short distance from the villages.