Orchard Hut

Top choice in Himachal Pradesh


Unwind amid bucolic views, birdsong and sounds of rushing water, cool off in the plunge pool beneath apricot trees, meditate, learn local cooking and even milk the cow for your breakfast at this perfectly pitched homestay/eco-resort, around 10km northeast of Chamba. The eight superclean, thoughtfully designed rooms cover all budgets, combining rustic local building materials with quality bathrooms.

Behind safari-lodge-style balconies there’s a well-stocked library, and the highly educated hosts know masses about local history. Work off the superb home-cooked meals (organic breakfast/dinner ₹275/450) with a range of hiking options. Don’t just show up: it’s a 20-minute walk up semi-steep agricultural footpaths from a totally unmarked parking spot beside the Saal River, around 1km beyond Chaminu village: contact Mani Mahesh Travels to coordinate a taxi (₹450 from Chamba) with a guide to show you the way up.