Apple Orchard - Rawat Homestay
Jakhol, Garhwal (Uttarakhand)
House Rules
Check-in time: 12:00 pm
Check-out time: 11:00 am
For early check-ins or late check-outs don’t be shy to check with us.
Slow and soft music is okay, but please do not play loud music. You are in the middle of nature and a village
Services of the staff are available until 10:00 pm
We follow a strict no-smoking policy inside the house. You may ask the caretaker for an ashtray and smoke outside the house if you need to.
Water at Himalayan Eagle is drawn from natural spring approx. 5Kms away. There is enough for all of us however we advise you not to waste water and be responsible
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Wifi and Connectivity:
There is a good 4G connectivity for Airtel and Jio users, unless the weather is bad. Anyone who needs dedicated connection should carry an Airtel/Jio Sim and it works very good for video/work. We don’t have a WiFi connection facility.
Cancellation Policy:
Date of booking – 31 days before arrival: 25 % cancellation fee on the total booking amount
30 Days – 15 Days: 50 % cancellation fee on the total booking amount
Within 14 days from date of arrival: No refunds
Getting There:
Khirsu is well connected by motorable roads to different parts of the state. Public and private buses regularly connect the hill town with nearby cities and towns.
By Train
The nearest rail head is at Kotdwara which is just 115 km away from Khirsu. One can easily get a cab or catch a bus for Khirsu from the railway station.
By Air
The nearest airport is at Dehradun which is 145 km away from Khirsu. One can easily get a cab or catch a bus for Khirsu from the airport.
We will share the exact directions upon confirmation. We have pickup, drop facility from Dehradun Airport/Kotdwara Station, which are chargeable additionally. We also offer accommodation for the drivers at the property at an additional cost. Please inform us at the time of booking so that appropriate arrangements can be made.
Reaching the property in daylight is advisable
Cultural Expressions:
- Folk Dances:
- Tandi – a circular group dance performed hand-in-hand.
- Ras – a spirited dance with weapons (Dangri) and double-headed drums (Dhol), marked by synchronized steps.
- Folk Songs: Traditional songs like Chhode, Laman, and Chopati—passed down from ancestors—accompany these dances and reflect local life.
- Instruments: Iconic sounds of Dhol-Dhamau, Ranasingha, and flutes echo through celebrations, enhancing religious rituals and cultural festivities.
The Stay
Apple Orchard Rawat Homestay is a true reflection of traditional wooden houses of the region. This beautiful accommodation is located in the Jakhol Village of Uttarakashi district of Uttarakhand. The homestay can be reached by a small hike of 300-500 meters from the village and built in the apple orchard. It is equipped with essential amenities such as a double bed, chair, table, wardrobe, and a Western-style toilet. Managed by the owner itself and the local of the village, these homestays offer a warm and authentic experience, blending picturesque landscapes with local hospitality.
Guests can savor traditional cuisines of the region, prepared with love by the hosts, while immersing themselves in the serene beauty of the region. Located 212 km from nearest Railway Station of Dehradun. It is a 7 hrs 30 minutes drive away, making it an ideal stop for travellers seeking tranquillity.
Mornings in Jakhol begin with the melodious the cool, refreshing mountain air with beautiful views of the region’s natural beauty. Enjoying a cup of tea outside the cottage, with a gentle breeze carrying the scent of the forest, offers a true sense of peace. As the sun sets, visitors feel a deep sense of fulfilment, appreciating the simplicity and beauty of rural life.
Beyond its natural charm, Jakhol provides an opportunity to experience local culture and witness the daily lives of villagers, where traditional practices and hard work define their routines. Unlike the fast-paced life of cities, this village offers a slower yet deeply enriching way of living, allowing travellers to connect with the authentic essence of Garhwal.
To Experience
Your day begins with a peaceful and refreshing morning in Jakhol. Wake up early to embark on a scenic village walk, perfect for trekkers and peace seekers amidst the tranquil surroundings. After a hearty breakfast, continue exploring the village, engaging with the friendly locals, and visiting the historic wooden houses of the village. Visit to apple orchards along picturesque trails allows you to soak in the beauty of nature, accompanied by the soothing sounds of the forest. By evening, return to your stay, carrying the essence of the day’s adventures.
Jakhol is an ideal destination for trekkers as it servers entry point for Devkyara Bugyal trek, Har Ki Dun, Bali Pass, and Ruinsara Lake treks, village tourism, and photography. Visitors can explore nearby villages, experience the warm hospitality of the locals, and immerse themselves in the untouched beauty of the Himalayas.
Major Festivals:
- Bishu Mela (mid-April): A joyful harvest festival marking the arrival of spring. It features folk music, Garhwali dances, rituals, and communal feasts that foster social unity.
- Devgoti Mela (spring): Honors Someshwar Mahadev, the village deity, with devotional ceremonies, cultural performances, and village-wide gatherings reflecting deep spiritual and agricultural ties.
- Sawan Jatra (July): A grand event where Someshwar Mahadev is ceremonially brought to Jakhol. The highlight is “The Kafua,” in which the deity is believed to speak through a priest, blessing villagers amid vibrant evening dances and rituals.
- Fagunay (around Holi): A theatrical and festive night featuring masked performances, ancient customs, and lively overnight folk dance sessions in the temple square.
suggested Itineraries
Lansdowne – Khirsu – Rishikesh
Duration: 05 Nights/ 06 Days
Day 1: Dehradun – Lansdowne
Today on arrival pick up from Airport / Railway station and proceed towards Lansdowne via Kotdwar, on arrival check in at hotel & relax. Lansdowne is situated at an altitude of 1700 mts above sea level surrounded with thick oak and blue pine forests. Evening free for individual activities.
Overnight at Lansdowne
Distance: 7 km | Time: 5 Hrs. | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Stay Option :
Day 2: Lansdowne (Sight Seeing)
Today after breakfast local sightseeing of Lansdowne, places to visit (Church, Tip-In-Top, St.John’s Church, St. Marry’s Church, Lansdowne Lake (Bhulla Tal), Tarkeshwar Mahadev etc) evening back to hotel.
Overnight at Lansdowne
Distance: 7 km | Time: 5 Hrs. | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Stay Option :
Day 3: Lansdowne -- Khirsu
Today after breakfast check out the hotel and drive toward Pauri which is 81 kms away from Lansdowne on Kotdwar – Pauri Road. (Beautiful town, Pauri is a district headquarter of Pauri Garwal) It is situated at an altitude of 1814 mts above sea level abundantly blessed with nature’s bounty like snow-capped Himalayan peaks and dense forests. On arrival check in at hotel & relax, later enjoy the sightseeing local Market of Pauri, evening back to hotel.
Overnight at Khirsu
Distance: 7 km | Time: 5 Hrs. | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Stay Option :
Day 4: Khirsu (Sight Seeing)
Today after breakfast check out the hotel and drive toward Pauri which is 81 kms away from Lansdowne on Kotdwar – Pauri Road. (Beautiful town, Pauri is a district headquarter of Pauri Garwal) It is situated at an altitude of 1814 mts above sea level abundantly blessed with nature’s bounty like snow-capped Himalayan peaks and dense forests. On arrival check in at hotel relax, later enjoy the sightseeing local Market of Pauri, evening back to hotel.
Overnight at Khirsu
Distance: 7 km | Time: 5 Hrs. | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Stay Option :
Day 5: Khirsu -- Rishikesh
After breakfast checkout from hotel and proceed to Rishikesh via Devpryag. On arrival check in hotel & relax. Later explore local temple and Market of Rishikesh. Evening join Ganga aarti at Swarg Ashram. Later back to hotel
Overnight at Rishikesh
Distance: 7 km | Time: 5 Hrs. | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Stay Option :
Day 6: Departure
Breakfast at hotel. Today at leisure check out the hotel and drive back to Delhi/ Calcutta
Corn Village – Dhanaulti – Chamba – Khirsu
Duration: 06 Nights/ 07 Days
Day 1: Dehradun – Mussoorie/ Corn Village
Today on arrival pick up from Airport / Railway station and proceed towards Mussoorie via Dehradun, on arrival check in at hotel & relax. Free for individual activities.
Dinner & Overnight at Corn Village
Distance: 7 km | Time: 5 Hrs. | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Stay Option :
Day 2: Mussoorie
Breakfast at hotel. Today half day Sightseeing to Kempty Fall, after enjoying the water fall of Kempty comes back to Mussoorie evening explores local Mussoorie and enjoy walk at the Mall, later back to hotel.
Overnight at Corn Village
Distance: 7 km | Time: 5 Hrs. | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Stay Option :
Day 3: Mussoorie – Dhanaulti
After breakfast drive towards Dhanaulti.which is 25 kms away from Mussoorie on Mussoorie – Chamba Road. On arrival check in to hotel. Later sightseeing tour of Dhanaulti. Dhanaulti is situated at an altitude of 2286 mts above sea level. Dhanaulti is the launching point for numerous treks into the snow – capped Himalayas. Later back to hotel.
Overnight at Dhanaulti
Distance: 7 km | Time: 5 Hrs. | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Stay Option :
Day 4: Dhanaulti – Chamba
Breakfast at hotel. Today at leisure Check out the hotel Proceed to Chamba, explore local view of Chamba, It has an overlooking view of spectacular snowcapped mountains of Himalayas, On arrival check in at Hotel & relax, Later proceed to visit Tehri Dam (One of the largest Dam of India), evening back to hotel.
Overnight at Chamba
Distance: 7 km | Time: 5 Hrs. | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Stay Option :
Day 5: Chamba – Khirsu
Today after breakfast check out the hotel and drive toward Pauri which is 113 kms away from Chamba. (It’s a Beautiful town, Pauri is a district headquarter of Pauri Garhwal) It is situated at an altitude of 1814 mts above sea level abundantly blessed with nature’s bounty like snow-capped Himalayan peaks and dense forests (Beautiful town, Pauri is a district headquarter) on arrival check in at hotel & relax, later enjoy the sightseeing local Market of Pauri, evening back to hotel.
Overnight at Khirsu
Distance: 7 km | Time: 5 Hrs. | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Stay Option :
Day 6: Khirsu (Sightseeing)
Today after breakfast go for sightseeing tour of Pauri, places to visit (Kyunkaleshwar Mahadev Temple, Kandolia Devta Temple, Nag Devta Temple, Laxmi Narayan Temple, Khirsu & Pauri City) evening back to hotel.
Overnight at Khirsu
Distance: 7 km | Time: 5 Hrs. | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Stay Option :
Day 7: Khirsu – Dehradun/ Departure
Breakfast at hotel. Today at leisure check out the hotel and drive back to Delhi/ Calcutta
Impact Footprint
Cultural Preservation: Supporting the preservation of local community traditions and festivals.
Economic Empowerment: Empowering local communities through sustainable tourism and income generation. All these homestays in Makkumath are run by local ladies under the community based tourism.
Environmental Sustainability: Promoting eco-friendly practices within the homestay and community. Using local handcrafted trays and dustbins.
Community Engagement: Offering visitors meaningful interactions with locals while fostering a sense of cultural exchange.