A home in the hills! Isn't it the most common dream of every peace seeker? The beautiful hotels and homestays in the mountains often promise to give us an interim but nevertheless a blissful window to this experience.
If you're craving to wake up to the view from a hilltop, the scent of the cedars and the distant noise of gurgling river, this summer during my visit to Tirthan Valley, I found an ideal retreat for your next vacation. Kudrat Luxury Stays is a gorgeous boutique homestay in the Bandal Village, 5 km from Gushaini in Tirthan Valley. I had a chance to witness this home in the hills just at the right time when one could easily spot fifty shades of green amidst the falling cedar dust, sitting at the Deodar wood corridor of this gorgeous boutique homestay.
The Property And The Hosts
Kudrat Luxury Stays is the dream home of the wonderful hosts Sudhir, Bhawana and their little daughter Kudrat. The hospitable couple have created and ideal retreat at Bandal Village in Tirthan Valley. It's a home the promises unforgettable comfort and immense attention to details that makes it aesthetically appealing. During my stay the hosts and the professional staff who stay on the ground floor were always available for a wonderful company and would help guests to plan the day trips to explore stunning valley and villages surrounding the property.
The property sits atop the cedar covered hillside at the Bandal Village at an altitude of 6200 feet at a close proximity to the Great Himalayan National Park and offers undisturbed views of the snow-capped Tirth Peaks (4200m) and the Tirthan River crisscrossing across the valley below. This holiday home is made out of the cedar wood in traditional Kath Kuni style of architecture and the stone dug from the same ground that it stands on. The space thus gives visitors a close insight into the local aesthetics and culture.
The Space
This restful retreat has a kitchen cum dining room and two bedrooms on the ground floor. On the first floor, there's a living room and two more bedrooms. The living room has a connected attic suite and a library on the second floor. In addition to this, the hosts are also coming up with another house with 8 bedrooms by next year.
Every corner of the house has a unforgettable character. Be it the peaceful and cosy reading space in the attic where the sunlight enters trickling down the tall deodars or the rooms with a view where the morning sun knocks on tall glass windows and unfolds the vast views of the distant peaks.
Cost Of Accommodation
All suites are available on a twin sharing basis and an extra bed can be arranged on request. The tariff is based on single occupancy per night, per room and is inclusive of all meals.
Luxury Rooms: ₹7500 per night
Attic Suite: ₹12000 per night
For further details, click here.
Food
Only a few homestays that I've been to have that warm vibe that invite you inside a kitchen for the sole purpose of exploration. During my stay, Bhawana, being the warm host that she is, would often ask me to try out new preparations of pickles or appetizers that she meticulously preserves in beautiful earthen jars. One afternoon she offered marinated chillies in curd that complimented the chicken curry so beautifully that now I've memorised the recipe.
During your stay relish some delectable home-cooked food prepared by Bhawana and her exceptional kitchen staff. There are complimentary fixed meals during your stay. From wholesome breakfast spreads to hot chappatis on your plate during the dinner, it's the food here that would make you feel at home.
If you're a lover of good fish, do not miss the grilled trout for dinner which the hosts would serve on request.
Things To Do Around The Property
Often during travels, the passions of the people you meet rubs off on you and adventure becomes contagious. At Kudrat the hosts are adventure loving and they can help you organise day trips to the nearby villages and attraction points that make some of the most unmissable experiences in Tirthan Valley. Kudrat Luxury Stays stands at the edge of the village that gives access to great outdoor experiences. Here are some.
Village visit to Sarchi
The ancient village of Sarchi sits atop the hills over the Tirthan Valley at an altitude of 7200 ft. An unpaved yet motorable road of around 11 kms from Bandal drops you at Sarchi. Guests can also hike to Sarchi Village from the homestay. The village is home to a numerous ancient homes built in Kath Kuni style of architecture. The village temple dedicated to the local deity, Jagdamb Rishi, is another marvel constructed out of the Deodar wood and stone.
Hike to Lambri top and Jalori Pass
The village of Sarchi also serves as a base camp for the treks to Lambri Top and Jalori Pass. Lambri top is the ridge that connects Tirthan Valley to the Seraj Valley and trekkers have identified this as a great outdoor spot for camping. You can also trek to the more famous Jalori Pass which is a day's hike from Lambri Top.
Village walk around Bandal
If you're on a relaxed vacation, the hosts can take you on a short village walk around the Bandal Village. A unpaved trail starts right below homestay and takes you into this unexplored side of Tirthan Valley. The Gaada Durga Temple Temple in the village is yet another marvel constructed out of Deodar Woods. Apples grow in every courtyard here and if you sit and count the varieties of fruits here, you're in for a sweet surprise. Persimmon,, locally known as Japani is another fruit I discovered that grows in abundance here.
Angling in Tirthan River
There are only a few places around India that are recognised for fishing. Gushaini, which is go to place for angling enthusiasts, is just a short walk/drive away from Kudrat. Keep a day aside for this day trip during your stay to enjoy a leisurely afternoon by the gushing Tirthan river.
Hike to Choi Waterfall
A short drive away from Bandal before Gushaini, a short hiking trail leads you to Choi Waterfall which makes for a great outdoor experience during your stay. A 30 minute hike from the main road will take you to this pristine and unexplored waterfall where you'd love to have an untimely shower.
Other treks around Tirthan Valley
The adjoining region of the Great Himalayan Naional Park is home to experiences that mountain lovers live for. This UNESCo world heritage site is a gateway to treks like Mani Mahesh, Rolla, Nada Tirth and Shilt Rakhundi. If you are up for a great adventure, you can club your stay here with one of these multi-day treks too.
Best Time To Visit
The best time to go to Tirthan Valley is during the months of March to June when the winters have passed or during the comfortable shoulder season in October to November.
Getting There
Board a Himachal Tourism bus from Delhi to Manali and get down at the Aut Tunnel. Take the bus to Banjar or all the way to Gushaini which is at a distance of 32km from Aut. Kudat Luxiry Stays is around 5km away from Gushaini on the Sarchi Road. The hosts can arrange your pick up from Guhaini or Banjar once informed about the arrival.
Mob : (+91) - 9650124477 (Airtel), 8988648391 (BSNL)
Email : hello@kudrat.in
For more inspiration to travel the distance, follow Kudrat Luxury Stays on Instagram.
Frequent Searches Leading To This Page:-
best tirthan valley homestay, best home stays in tirthan valley, homestay in tirthan valley, tirthan valley laxmi homestay