Atlas/Himachal Pradesh/Apple Orchard Farmstay, Yoga & Pottery, HP

Apple Orchard Farmstay, Yoga & Pottery, HP

Spiti Valley· 4.4 · 67 stays

“A home set within an apple orchard, just before Narkanda. Run by a retired Brigadier and his family, this is a place for slow days and mountain air. The rooms have large windows looking out onto the valley. Meals are simple, healthy, and home-cooked. The house is also a space for yoga and pottery workshops. A place to rest your running mind.”

4 bedroomsSleeps 84 beds4 bathsHouseWifiHot Water

A look around

What's here

The road gives way to a flight of steps, leading you down into the quiet of an apple orchard. The home, built with exposed brick and large panes of glass, sits below the highway, looking out across the lesser Himalayas. This is a private abode, built by a retired Indian Army Brigadier and his family as a space to pause. The house has four bedrooms, each with its own bathroom, accommodating up to eight guests. The rooms are simple, with large windows that frame the valley and let in the light. There is a large, sunlit hall for yoga and meditation, and a common dining area where guests share meals. The decor is vintage, with art and objects collected over a lifetime. As one guest put it, the space feels "decorated and developed with some beautiful artistic minds." Food is a central part of the stay. Expect "sumptuous home made and healthy food," often made with produce from the on-site organic farm. The hosts also run workshops in yoga and pottery, and guests are welcome to try their hand at farming. It is, as a visitor from Chandigarh wrote, "a private abode to relax and rest your running mind."

What guests wrote

4.4· 67 stays

“Nestled in Solitude! This Heaven on the High Hills setup by a retired Indian Army Brigadier and his family is just a private abode to relax and rest your running mind :-). My week long solo stay and a few days with my guests from Chandigarh was a total delight and value for money at this property in Village this property nestled in the lesser Himalayas. Ju...”

Sumeer Walia

“Undoubtedly, a very unique and beautiful getaway property amidst lush green apple orchids. Amazing hosts serving sumptuous home made and healthy food with outstanding hospitality. In addition to wonderful stay and food, this property offers many interesting activities/ workshops like yoga, pottery and an opportunity for hands on organic farming ... A Must vi...”

Amita Mahalwar

“What an amazing experience we had last week staying with our family. Located just 15-20 mins before the Narkanda market on the main highway this property seems to have been decorated and developed with some beautiful artistic minds. The service is amazing, rooms are decent to give you a home experience. Few points to consider for are that the house is 2 floo...”

Umang Shah

“A very beautiful property to stay at with both rooms and dormitory available. Hill top view with Apple orchards all around. Very close to the Narkanda market place. Home cooked food available. 40-50 steps descending to the Homestay. Parking space for only 3-4 cars maximum.”

Aarti Mansukhani

Where you are

Kotkhai.

An apple-belt town near Shimla, working orchards more than tourist sights, with Hatu Peak and Narkanda within reach.

Best time

Mar–Jun and Sep–Nov

Nearest airport

Shimla (SLV), ~45 km

Nearby

Hatu Peak · Narkanda · Kufri

General area shown · exact address shared after booking

Around the stay

Things to do nearby.

Narkanda serves as a base for exploring the wider region, though keep in mind that mountain roads are slow.

A drive towards Manali (about 5-6 hours away) opens up access to the Solang valley for its adventure sports and the Atal Tunnel, the 9km pass that now offers year-round access to Lahaul. In Manali itself, you can visit the ancient Hadimba Devi temple, explore the cafes of Old Manali, or soak in the Vashisht hot springs.

The Tibetan-Buddhist circuit around Dharamshala and McLeodganj is a longer journey (7-8 hours). Here you can visit the Tsuglagkhang complex, the Dalai Lama's monastery. The popular 4-hour Triund trek starts from here, offering close-up views of the Dhauladhar mountain wall.

For adrenaline seekers, Bir-Billing, the world's second-highest paragliding takeoff point, is about a 6-7 hour drive. The peak season for flying is October and November.

The high-altitude desert of Spiti Valley is accessible from the Manali side from June to October. This loop takes you through Kaza, the iconic Ki monastery, and the high villages like Kibber. This is a multi-day trip and requires careful planning.

Logistics

Getting there.

By Air: The nearest airport is in Shimla (SLV) at Jubbarhatti, but it has very limited, weather-dependent flights. The most reliable airport is Chandigarh (IXC), a major hub in the plains, from where it's a 5-6 hour drive to the property.

By Rail: The nearest major railhead is Chandigarh (CDG). From there, you can hire a taxi. A more scenic route is to take a train to Kalka (KLK) and then board the UNESCO-listed toy train to Shimla, a slow but beautiful journey. From Shimla, the property is another 2-hour drive.

By Road: The home is located on the main highway (NH-5), about 8km before Narkanda town when driving from Shimla.

Seasons

Best time to visit.

The best seasons are from March to June, when the snow melts and summer arrives in the valley, and again from September to November, for clear skies and crisp mountain air after the monsoon.

July and August are monsoon months, which can cause landslides on National Highways 3 and 21, making road travel unpredictable. From December to February, the upper reaches around Narkanda, Manali, and Shimla receive heavy snowfall.

Before you book

The fine print, written plainly.

Frequently asked

The questions travellers ask.

The neighbours

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