How far is the farm from Shimla? What are the road conditions like?
70 kms.
Shimla to Theog is okay. Lots of traffic. (1 to 1.5 hours)
Theog to Gumma is a new road, therefore mostly good. (1 hour)
The last 12 km stretch after Gumma is narrow and partially tarred (35 t0 45 minute)
Shimla to Theog is okay. Lots of traffic. (1 to 1.5 hours)
Theog to Gumma is a new road, therefore mostly good. (1 hour)
The last 12 km stretch after Gumma is narrow and partially tarred (35 t0 45 minute)
Are you on Google Maps?
Yes. Search for ‘Rukhla, Himachal Pradesh’ and / or ‘Himalayan Orchard’.
What’s the weather like?
Mild and pleasant most of the year.
* December to March: Mostly sunny, clear and crisp. Snow in January - February. Average daytime temperature 5 - 15
Celcius / Night 0 to 5 Celcius.
* April to June: Average daytime 15 to 27 Celcius / Night 10 to 18 Celcius. Spring showers in April and thunder storms in May
are common.
* July - August: Monsoon, warm and cloudy. Ave daytime temp. 22 Celcius / Night 18 Celcius.
* Sept to November: Ave daytime 15 - 20 Celcius / Night 10 celcius
Can be chilly in the early mornings and evenings even in summer. It could also rain and bring the temperature down significantly.
* December to March: Mostly sunny, clear and crisp. Snow in January - February. Average daytime temperature 5 - 15
Celcius / Night 0 to 5 Celcius.
* April to June: Average daytime 15 to 27 Celcius / Night 10 to 18 Celcius. Spring showers in April and thunder storms in May
are common.
* July - August: Monsoon, warm and cloudy. Ave daytime temp. 22 Celcius / Night 18 Celcius.
* Sept to November: Ave daytime 15 - 20 Celcius / Night 10 celcius
Can be chilly in the early mornings and evenings even in summer. It could also rain and bring the temperature down significantly.
How long does it take from Shimla?
2.5 - 3 hours if the driver is used to mountain roads. Up to 4 hours if you’re a slow driver.
What is the room tariff and what does it include / exclude?
3000/- per adult per night. Children below 12 half price. Infants free. Price includes all meals.
Do you have wifi / internet / TV?
While there is wi-fi, it's use is limited & for emergency use only. We encourage guests to give themselves a digital detox. We do have a DVD projector/screen with around 200 DVDs & a 1000 books for those who want to just sit and relax.
What is there to do?
Guided walks / hiking. Birdwatching. Table tennis. Billiards. Badminton. Lawn bowls. Reading. Painting. Board and card
games.
games.
Can we see the Great Himalayas?
You can hike for 4 hours or drive for 45 minutes through the forest to Sararu Pass (3000mts), from which you can admire the Great Himalayas of Kullu, Kinnaur, Chanshal and beyond to Uttarakhand. Take a picnic lunch.
You can also do a two-day hike to Hatu Peak (3400 mts) and back (or drive 1.5hrs oneway)
You can also do a two-day hike to Hatu Peak (3400 mts) and back (or drive 1.5hrs oneway)
Do you have room service?
No.
Do you serve alcohol?
No. But guests are welcome to bring their own & join us for a sunset tipple.
What are the meal timings?
Meal timings are fixed. Please see 'House Rules' tab.
What kind of food do you serve?
Vegetarian (includes dairy). North Indian, local Pahari & Continental cuisine. We have vegan and gluten free options. Non-veg options at an extra cost (please see himalayanorchard.com/meals.html )
What is the water situation like?
The cold water is mountain spring water from a private source and therefore clean and safe to drink.
The hot water for bathing (and washing purposes) is rainwater harvested and we request guests to economize on water usage.
The hot water for bathing (and washing purposes) is rainwater harvested and we request guests to economize on water usage.
Where’s the nearest petrol pump?
22 kms from Rukhla, on the Gumma – Kotkhai road (Swaroop Filling Station).
22.5 kms before Rukhla, near Chailla, on the SH10 (Kamla Filling Station).
22.5 kms before Rukhla, near Chailla, on the SH10 (Kamla Filling Station).
Where’s the nearest ATM?
14 kms, in Gumma – Punjab National Bank
10 kms, in Kiari – SBI
20 kms, in Kotkhai, – HDFC and SBI
10 kms, in Kiari – SBI
20 kms, in Kotkhai, – HDFC and SBI
Where is the nearest hospital/clinic?
Nearest clinic is at Kiari- 20-30 minute drive. The nearest hospital is at Kotkhai, a 45 to 50 minute drive.
Which phone service works best?
Airtel
Any advice on the kind of clothes one should carry?
Sturdy shoes. a warm full sleeved jacket or cardigan and socks are essential, even in summer. Additionally, please carry thick indoor socks or slippers if you like to wear something on your feet indoors since we don't allow shoes indoors. Please also see 'House rules' for this.
Is it child & elderly friendly ?
There are many steps at the farm, both within the house and outside. If you have severe walking problems (weak ankle, knee, foot), you will find it challenging to be here. Likewise, parents are advised to keep an eye on their young children for safety
reasons.
reasons.
Is there any discount?
5% if you stay for a week and 10% if you stay for a month.