What We Offer
Nestled in the mid-Himalayas at 2,100 metres, Himalayan Orchard is a small, family-run farmstay and working homestead. We offer guests a peaceful, authentic experience of rural mountain life — surrounded by apple orchards, protected forests, and dramatic Himalayan views.
Visitors are welcome to join in the rhythms of farm life or simply enjoy the calm and natural beauty of this traditional hill community. The area is rich in biodiversity and ideal for walkers, birdwatchers, naturalists, artists, and anyone seeking quiet inspiration.
We aim to welcome responsible travelers who value nature and contribute positively to the local economy. Your stay supports direct employment on the farm, as well as off-farm work for other services.
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The Farmstay
Accommodation is spread across five buildings and comfortably sleeps up to 12 guests.
Off the Beaten Track
Our farm is located in a remote, little-visited part of Himachal Pradesh, towards Kinnaur and the Tibetan border. The terrain is steep and rugged — some of the highest in the world — with terraced farms, dense deodar forests, and snow-capped peaks.
Despite its remoteness, the farm is accessible by a daily bus from Shimla, thanks to a motorable road built only in the 1970s. Before that, everything was carried on foot or mules.
Most farm work is still done by hand, using traditional tools. The area remains relatively untouched by mass tourism, preserving its natural and cultural heritage.
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Power & Water
We aim to be as sustainable as possible, drawing on natural resources:
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Climate
The weather is generally mild and pleasant:
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Farming LifeOur land is planted with apples, pears, plums, apricots, cherries and seasonal vegetables. We also keep cows (for milk, cheese, butter and yoghurt), chickens, and sheep. We make small batches of jams, pickles, wines, beer, cider, and cheese.
Apples are central to the region's agriculture — first introduced in the early 20th century by Satyananda Stokes, an American missionary-turned-Hindu who settled nearby.
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Flora & FaunaThe farm lies at the edge of protected forest that rises up to rocky peaks and stretches on towards the distant glaciers of Tibet.
The area supports rich birdlife — including Himalayan griffons, vultures, eagles, owls, and summer migrants. Animals include black bears, barking deer, musk deer, leopards, and langurs. Monkeys (both grey langurs and rhesus macaques) are common; caution is advised, especially with food or belongings.
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Walks & Trails
There are many walking trails through the forested hills, including a historic bridle path linking to the old Hindustan-Tibet road — once part of the Silk Route. A day’s hike up to Reoghati peak (about 3 hours one way) offers sweeping 360° views of the high Himalayas.
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A Window into Traditional Hill Life
Our extended family has lived in this valley for generations. Daily life still follows seasonal cycles, caste customs, and religious festivals dedicated to local deities. Visitors interested in anthropology or rural society will find this a rare and living example of traditional Himalayan life.
Nestled in the mid-Himalayas at 2,100 metres, Himalayan Orchard is a small, family-run farmstay and working homestead. We offer guests a peaceful, authentic experience of rural mountain life — surrounded by apple orchards, protected forests, and dramatic Himalayan views.
Visitors are welcome to join in the rhythms of farm life or simply enjoy the calm and natural beauty of this traditional hill community. The area is rich in biodiversity and ideal for walkers, birdwatchers, naturalists, artists, and anyone seeking quiet inspiration.
We aim to welcome responsible travelers who value nature and contribute positively to the local economy. Your stay supports direct employment on the farm, as well as off-farm work for other services.
__________________________________________________________
The Farmstay
Accommodation is spread across five buildings and comfortably sleeps up to 12 guests.
- Upper Main Cottage: Two ensuite bedrooms on the first floor, one large enough for a family of four.
- Traditional Pahari Unit: A stand-alone slate-roofed ensuite, converted from the old chullah-kitchen.
- The Old Barn Building: Two ensuite rooms and study, converted from the old hay-loft.
- Lower Main House: Two additional bedrooms, one with private bathroom and one with a external bathroom along the library.
- Yoga & Creative Studio: Space for up to 14 people — suitable for yoga, art, workshops or performance.
- Common Areas: A kitchen/dining room, two living rooms with wood-burning stoves, library, a games room (billiards/snooker), and a covered verandah with views down the valley.
- Additional Facilities: Table tennis, driver/maid rooms, and a basic self-catering kitchen.
Off the Beaten Track
Our farm is located in a remote, little-visited part of Himachal Pradesh, towards Kinnaur and the Tibetan border. The terrain is steep and rugged — some of the highest in the world — with terraced farms, dense deodar forests, and snow-capped peaks.
Despite its remoteness, the farm is accessible by a daily bus from Shimla, thanks to a motorable road built only in the 1970s. Before that, everything was carried on foot or mules.
Most farm work is still done by hand, using traditional tools. The area remains relatively untouched by mass tourism, preserving its natural and cultural heritage.
___________________________________________________________
Power & Water
We aim to be as sustainable as possible, drawing on natural resources:
- Hydroelectric power with a backup system
- Solar water heaters
- Wood-burning stoves (using sustainably pruned orchard wood)
- Drinking water from our own mountain spring
- Rainwater harvesting for irrigation and bathing
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Climate
The weather is generally mild and pleasant:
- Dec–March: Crisp and clear, with occasional snow (5–15°C day / 0–5°C night)
- April–June: Sunny and warm (15–27°C day / 10–18°C night), with some spring showers
- July–Aug: Monsoon season, warm and cloudy (22°C day / 18°C night)
- Sept–Nov: Cool and dry (15–20°C day / 10°C night)
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Farming LifeOur land is planted with apples, pears, plums, apricots, cherries and seasonal vegetables. We also keep cows (for milk, cheese, butter and yoghurt), chickens, and sheep. We make small batches of jams, pickles, wines, beer, cider, and cheese.
Apples are central to the region's agriculture — first introduced in the early 20th century by Satyananda Stokes, an American missionary-turned-Hindu who settled nearby.
__________________________________________________________
Flora & FaunaThe farm lies at the edge of protected forest that rises up to rocky peaks and stretches on towards the distant glaciers of Tibet.
The area supports rich birdlife — including Himalayan griffons, vultures, eagles, owls, and summer migrants. Animals include black bears, barking deer, musk deer, leopards, and langurs. Monkeys (both grey langurs and rhesus macaques) are common; caution is advised, especially with food or belongings.
__________________________________________________________
Walks & Trails
There are many walking trails through the forested hills, including a historic bridle path linking to the old Hindustan-Tibet road — once part of the Silk Route. A day’s hike up to Reoghati peak (about 3 hours one way) offers sweeping 360° views of the high Himalayas.
__________________________________________________________
A Window into Traditional Hill Life
Our extended family has lived in this valley for generations. Daily life still follows seasonal cycles, caste customs, and religious festivals dedicated to local deities. Visitors interested in anthropology or rural society will find this a rare and living example of traditional Himalayan life.