Our busy lives always demand something that we often overlook. Away from the polluted and chaotic cities, we all need some time for ourselves. It was last year when I went to this river homestay in Tirthan Valley. I chose this place because it's a perfect blend of nature with luxury. I was looking for something like this to spend my time close to nature and nothing could have been a better summer escape than Sunshine Himalayan cottage.
About the Property: Wake up to the River
Sunshine Himalayan cottage is a dream home right in the lap of nature. Unlike other destinations in Himachal, the place where the homestay is built is quiet and uncrowded. With 5 premium river-facing rooms and one cosy tree house in the backyard, this place is one of the best nature-based stays in Himachal.
The homestay is built from local materials of the valley – mud, stone, woods, along with modern amenities. There is a common dining and living area for the travellers to come together, dine together and share experiences and stories. Every room has a sit-out that treats you with the sound of the river. There’s also a dedicated bonfire area built of stones where you can spend nice evenings play soft music or play bonfire games.
Best Time to Visit Tirthan Valley
In summers i.e. from April to June, the weather is pleasant. Since the rainfall is at it's lowest you can enjoy the outdoor activities in these months. Staying at the Sunshine Himalayan cottage in winters i.e November to February means barbecues, hot cups of tea or soups and remarkable scenes of snowfall and snow-clad mountains. So, both winters and summers have something for you to experience.
Food
The Sunshine Himalayan cottage has its own food menu and serves the local Himalayan dishes to its guests. If you plan to go out and eat then one of the best places to dine is 'The Himalayan Trout House.' Here you will get the authentic trouts made with the local spices and the yummiest pizzas of Tirthan.
Best Things to do Here in Tirthan Valley
Waterfall Trekking – This one hour trek near Nagini takes you to a hidden waterfall which has some crazy visuals – a milky white waterfall with a pitch black backdrop and glimmering green all around. No visual can be so refreshing than this.
GHNP Trekking – Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP) which is also the World Heritage Site offers a stunning experience of the Himalayan range. The landscapes are breathtaking, the ecosystems are well preserved and it shelters many ayurvedic plants and rare Himalayan animals like the Himalayan Black Bear, Himalayan Tahr. Trekking, camping, wildlife & culture tour, adventure activities can be done in and around the GHNP in a very safe and friendly atmosphere.
Jalori Pass & Serolsar Lake Trekking – Jalori pass is an adventurous place to visit as it is one of the oldest routes to enter the Kullu valley through this 10300 feet high pass. The way to the pass is mesmerizing. Jalori receives heavy snow during winters making it a good snow spot. From Jalori, one can take 5-6 km of the beautiful trail to one of the ancient lakes of Kullu, Serolsar.
Tirthan River-Crossing – The crazy plunge into the bone-chilling Tirthan River is a must thing to do if there’s an adventurous kid in you. This activity is done in the supervision of the local experts with safety measures in place.
Trout Angling/Fishing – Angling/Fishing in the pristine beauty of the Tirthan River. Here, people fish for the rainbow and the brown trout, the two of the tastiest freshwater fishes on the planet. Travellers are provided with the fishing rods and an instructor to learn the best technique.
How to Reach Here:
Private Vehicle – Tirthan Valley is 520 km from Delhi. One must take the Manali highway (Bilaspur – Sundernagar – Mandi). After Mandi, take a right turn just before the AUT Tunnel towards Gushaini.
Public Transport – Catch an overnight Volvo for Manali and get down at the AUT tunnel. Catch a local taxi or bus for the Gushaini village which is just 1 hr drive from AUT.
All the images used above belong to the Sunshine Himalayan Cottage, Tirthan Valley. If you really liked the property and wish to make a booking then Click here or contact mylocaldost@gmail.com and get more details.