Orchard Opulence
Short Stay - Chamba (Himachal Pradesh)
About ORCHARD OPULENCE
Discover a hidden oasis lying in the lap of the Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar mountain ranges. The property is not just a home but a working organic farm which sustains the host family with food and provides employment to the local people that live around. During various seasons, one can enjoy plucking kiwi, plums, peaches and more or learn to milk the resident cow, make butter and yogurt. The family is one of the pioneering members and practitioners of responsible travel and homestay community, which they started in 1990, well before it became a modern concept. They’ve spent a lifetime building this beautiful home stay, located in the historical town of Chamba. Situated amongst scattered villages in the Panj- La and perched mid-way up a terraced slope at 4500 ft above sea level, it is surrounded by organic farms, fruit orchards, vegetable gardens, medicinal herbs on all sides. Over 50 species of birds have been known to visit the property, including migratory birds. From here, one can get a bird’s eye view of the beautiful Saal river in the valley below. Chamba, the former capital of Himachal Pradesh is an ancient town and amongst the oldest principalities in North India founded by King Shahil Varman. Over the centuries it developed a unique style of art and architecture, which it is still world renowned for. The experience at the property gives you a rich insight on cultural heritage and scenic beauty of the region, it offers breathtaking views, picturesque waterfalls, picnic spots, millennial old temples, shrines and deep virgin untouched forests, perfect platform for hikers and immersive travelers.
Region
Uttarakhand (India)
Best Time
March - May & Sept. - Nov.
No. Of Days
Minimum 3 days
Trip Character
Short stay with activities
Altitude
1370 m
Price
INR 3500/ $ 47
per double room, full board
For WHOM?
Come out of the shackles of city life and breathe in fresh and clean mountain air. This is an ideal stay for families, nature lovers, intellectuals, readers, writers, photographers, birdwatchers, filmmakers, yoga and meditation groups. A perfect place to practice yoga and meditation amongst nature, a peaceful home stay where nature is respected, with no smoking, loud music and parties allowed.
WHAT TO EAT
Enjoy traditional regional cuisine from the great era of the Kings of Chamba. Since the property has a working organic farm, food is harvested straight from the farm, all meals are home cooked, organic, locally sourced and produced depending on the seasons and availability.
Fruits such as kiwi, plums, peaches and more are up for grabs straight from the tree during harvest season. All meals are vegetarian and three course meals. Non – veg can be requested ahead of stay at an extra cost.
WHAT TO DO
What better way to get back to nature than walks/hikes and village visits. The property is located ideally for various day hikes through traditional mountain villages and beautiful pine forests. Learn about the local flora and fauna, self-guided or guided. Learn to steady your mind through morning and evening meditation sessions with the family elder. Learn how to make traditional Indian dishes from the time of the kings in the home kitchen. Get your hands covered with nature’s gold while planting saplings in the garden terraces, gather peaches for a sweet treat or milk the cow for fresh milk in a hot cup of chai. Go for a picnic lunch by the river or on a green meadow as you watch the birds sing and fly.
Additionally, activities like Tyrolean traverse, flying fox, rock climbing and repelling are safely conducted nearby by qualified and experienced instructors, and in this way, the hosts provide job opportunities for locals. The instructors are well-trained and provided with up to date and reliable equipment. There are also kite making and flying workshops, archery, along with campfires and games that one can enjoy.
ABOUT THE PLACE
The homestay comes with 6 double rooms and is crafted in traditional mountain style using stone, clay and wood. The rooms are simple and clean with sublime views from the verandahs, with private western washrooms and hot/cold showers.
Soak yourself in the spring water plunge pool after a muscle-soothing massage, laze in a hammock, or grab a good book from the growing library and enjoy, relax and rejuvenate in the tranquil surroundings.
The gardens contain a huge variety of colourful Himalayan flowers and medicinal herbs with a strong emphasis on environmental preservation, great care has been taken to keep the property ecologically safe and sound, offering a tranquil setting in which one can relax and rejuvenate from the stresses, strains and pollution of urban life.
HOW TO REACH?
The accommodation is located 13km from Chamba town and to get there, one needs to hike up approximately 20-30 minutes through a gradual uphill climb on a zig-zag dirt and stone step trail through orchards and terraces. Safe and secure parking is available and porters can be arranged to carry heavy luggage.
Amritsar and Gaggal (Dharamshala) airports are approximately 5-6 hours away, Pathankot train station and airport are approximately 3-4 hours away.
