Himalayan Orchard, Kothkai

Village - Rukhla, Himachal Pradesh

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.
Follow local customs and traditions while interacting with villagers. Support community-based tourism initiatives by engaging with local artisans/handicraftsman, businesses, temples and nature.

Pets:
Yes,Pets are allowed

Wifi and Connectivity:
A Wifi dongle is switched on every evening after dinner for an hour. A barbecue is also lit, if desired.

Cancellation Policy:

45 – 30 days prior to check-in date – 50 % of full amount would be charged as retention

31 – 16 days prior to check-in date – 75 % of full amount would be charged as retention

15 Days prior to check-in date – 100% of full amount would be charged as retention.

Bookings made for long weekends, festivals and blackout periods (sold-out dates, special festivals, Christmas & New Year) are non-refundable and non-changeable.

Getting There:

By Road:
There is one HRTC government bus that passes the farm gate each afternoon, originating from Shimla. The 12:40pm bus to Reoghati (via Chadiyana/Keeth). Buy your ticket to Rukhla — we’ll be at the farm gate to meet you and stop the bus.Alternatively, take any bus heading towards Rohru or Jubbal and get off at Gumma. We can help you book a local taxi from there.

By Train
Nearest railhead: Shimla.

By Air
Nearest airports: Shimla and Chandigarh.

We will share the exact directions upon confirmation. We have pickup, drop facility from the Airport/Railway 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

The Stay:

The stay offers four ensuite bedrooms and two basic singles, which are a separate unit. There’s also a self-catering wing. Since this is a mountain farmhouse, the bedrooms are on different levels. The common areas like the well-equipped kitchen, dining area and a well-stocked library are accessible to guests. There is a comfortable lounge with large fireplace (wood burner) and video projector and screen, which can comfortably seat 8 – 10, with windows and a door onto the garden, and others opening onto a covered balcony, which can seat 4 – 6, with stupendous views of the valley below. The balcony adjoins an open terrace, suitable for al fresco dinners, or yoga. The garden lawn can be used for French boules, badminton, yoga, or eating out under the stars, candle-lit.

To Experience:

The stay is an ideal setting for individuals or groups (‘luxury vagabonds’) seeking peace and tranquillity close to nature. Enjoy the snooker table, badminton, table tennis, darts, lawn boules, board games, piano, guitars, a video collection and projector for film nights, and book library (1000+ books). The orchard and forest have been marked with trail markers and a guide map including timings, points of interest and levels of difficulty is available. A typical day at Himalayan Orchard could start with an early morning walk along the forest, followed by breakfast of homemade bread, butter, cheese, jams and Himachali dishes. Then you could go on a post breakfast guided or self-guided hike on the many marked paths, all starting and ending at the farm. Finally the evenings you can go for the In-door games or reading books. The stay believes in the value of slowness — of doing things by hand, to live simply and attentively, to nurture what grows around us, and to offer a space for others to pause, reflect, and reconnect — with the land, with their work, and with themselves.

To See:

Snake Temple Tour: A unique cultural and mythological journey across the valley, tracing the legend of Bhuri and the Snake Mother through local temples, villages, forests, and rivers.

Visit Koti: Visit Koti, a scenic, rural area situated near Kotkhai, known for its quiet village atmosphere, it features traditional architecture and panoramic views, often associated with the rural landscape a riverside shrine.

Sacred Sites Excursion: Visit Ghunda: Traditional village with a temple marking the snake’s middle. Also Visit Baginala: The site where the tail came to rest. Picnic en route through forested hills.

Village Walks: The farm sits on the edge of a protected deodar forest & is surrounded by marked walking trails — through orchard, forest, and over ridgelines — all beginning just outside the house. Blue-and-white stripes mark the way, and we offer hand-drawn maps for a variety of circular walks and hikes, suited to different levels of energy, terrain, and time.

Bird-watching & Wildlife: The stay is located at the transition between cultivated orchard belt and protected Himalayan forest, creating a unique overlap in ecosystems. The diversity of flora and fauna is exceptional — especially for birdwatchers. Over 100 species of birds have been recorded in and around the orchard. A printed list is available at the house, and guests are encouraged to add their own sightings. Our records also align with data from eBird.org, which tracks birds in this region.

Mountain Biking: The terrain here is a paradise for mountain biking — but so far, it remains largely unexplored. Unpaved paths, forest tracks and winding village trails crisscross the entire valley. Most are still used mainly by locals on foot, offering adventurous cyclists a rare chance to roam freely without worrying about traffic.

Fishing in Pabbar River: About 1hour from the farm lies Pabbar river -a pristine mountain river ideal for fishing — particularly fly fishing. The stay currently have a couple of rods available and hope to expand this offering in the future.

Impact Footprint

Climate Action: Sustainability remains central to Himalayan Orchard’s identity. The stay practices organic farming, rainwater harvesting, composting, and responsible waste management.

Sustainable Agriculture: Home-cooked meals for guests emphasize the importance of planting and maintaining fields, promoting sustainable agricultural practices within the community.

Authentic Cuisine: Guests enjoy fresh fruits, homemade dairy products, jams, breads, and traditional Himachali dishes prepared with care. Every meal reflects the philosophy of mindful eating and sustainable living.

Sustainable Tourism: Guided forest walks allow guests to explore local flora, birdlife, and village trails while understanding the fragile Himalayan ecosystem.

Mr. Michael J. Lidgley,
Mrs. Devanshee Chauhan Lidgley.