What we say

Sometimes, or perhaps mostly, the most authentic experiences are found where Google Maps gives up. Himalayan Orchard Huts sits in the scattered village of  Kutt – Chadiyara, perched mid-way up a terraced slope at 4,350 feet in the Panj-La Valley – and there’s no road access. That’s entirely the point.

This is the “Back to Nature” vision of environmentalist Prakash Dhami, who left urban life in 1992 with his wife Sneh Lata to begin organic farming in these remote Himachal hills. What started as a personal escape became something bigger when travelers began seeking the authentic village experience they offered. The homestay concept wasn’t even in the picture initially – it evolved naturally.

The approach tells you everything: a 20-minute hike through terraced fields and fruit trees to reach clay and wood houses built in traditional fashion. Nine rooms named after what grows here – Apricot, Rose, Lavender – each with verandas overlooking the Saal River valley below. No categorization, no pretence, just clean, basic comfort with hot water and that rarest luxury: complete silence.

Prakash’s philosophy of providing livelihoods to villagers without disturbing the ecosystem means 100% local staff, farm-to-table meals featuring traditional dishes from the time of Chamba’s kings, and experiences that matter – cow milking, overnight treks over mountain passes, interaction with local artisans whose crafts are disappearing.

Pure drinking water comes directly from their springs, eggs from free-range hens, vegetables from their organic gardens. This is responsible tourism before it became a buzzword – a family genuinely living their values and now, happily for us, sharing them with visitors seeking something real.

Our three words:

Remote | Authentic | Grounding

Philippa…

Hotel Story

Founded by environmentalist and social worker Prakash Dhami, who left urban life with his wife Sneh Lata and children in 1992 to pursue organic farming and sustainable living. Initially focused on agriculture, the homestay concept evolved naturally as they began sharing their Himalayan rural lifestyle with global travelers while maintaining village livelihood sustainability. The venture remains family-managed with all members following Prakash’s pioneering footsteps.

Their “Back to Nature” approach centers on connecting people to their roots and mother earth through responsible tourism. Prakash and Sneh Lata’s environmental concern drives their mission to provide rural employment opportunities in farming, trekking, and accommodation without disturbing local ecosystems or cultural heritage—embodying modern sustainable tourism principles.

Located in Kut-Chadiara village, Panj-La Valley, at 4,350 feet elevation, Himalayan Orchard Huts offers traditional clay and wood construction with clean, basic rooms featuring verandas overlooking hills and valleys. Guests choose between single/double rooms or hillside terrace tents, all with western bathrooms and hot water. The 20-minute hike from road access maintains the authentic experience. Surrounded by fruit trees, vegetable fields, and forest, the property provides stunning views of River Saal below. Delicious meals feature rare traditional dishes from Chamba District’s royal era, prepared with locally sourced ingredients including pure spring water. The rewilded land, organic farming practices, zero single-use plastics, and local staff create tranquil settings for urban refugees seeking authentic village experiences.

SUSTAINABLE SCORE : 63/70

  • Land Reclamation/Rewilding: 9
  • Food from 50 Mile Radius: 10
  • Organic Produce: 8
  • Wastewater Recycling: 8
  • Natural Materials / Heritage Building: 8
  • Single Plastic Use Never: 10
  • Local Staff: 10

SUSTAINABLE INITIATIVES

  • Kitchen waste Composted.
  • Fully Organic Farm
  • Farm to table dining.
  • Reforestation initiatives 
  • Organic Pickles and honey produced on site 
  • Protecting nature habitats for different flora and fauna
  • Glass and non-compostable waste sent for recycling 
  •  Fresh spring water means no plastic bottles are required 
  • 100% staff are local for community empowerment   

SUSTAINABLE SCORE : 63/70

  • Land Reclamation/Rewilding: 7
  • Food from 50 Mile Radius: 7
  • Organic Produce: 7
  • Wastewater Recycling: 5
  • Natural Materials / Heritage Building: 8
  • Single Plastic Use Never: 10
  • Local Staff: 10

SUSTAINABLE INITIATIVES

  • Kitchen waste Composted.
  • Fully Organic Farm
  • Farm to table dining.
  • Reforestation initiatives 
  • Organic Pickles and honey produced on site 
  • Protecting nature habitats for different flora and fauna
  • Glass and non-compostable waste sent for recycling 
  •  Fresh spring water means no plastic bottles are required 
  • 100% staff are local for community empowerment   

EXPERIENCES

Nature Walks
Picnic treks
Overnight hiking
Himalayan village visits
Himalaya views and walks
Interaction with local artisans
BIRDWATCHING
Cookery classes
Yoga and Massage
Organic farming and tree planting
cow milking

HOW TO REACH HERE

BY AIR: Pathankot Airport is approximately 2 hours 30 minutes by car from Himalayan Orchard Huts. Jammu Airport, about 3 hours away, offers better connectivity to major Indian cities

BY TRAIN: The nearest railway station is Pathankot Junction, approximately 80 km from the property

DESTINATIONS DISTANCE (KM) TIME (HR)
Pathankot Railway St 126 Km 3 Hours 45 Minutes
Dharamshala  Airport 140 Km 4.5 Hours
Amritsar  240 Km 6 Hours
Chamba Town 12 Km 20 Minutes
Jammu Airport  220 Km 6 Hours 
Dharamshala 140 Km 5 Hours
Dalhousie  50 Km 2.5 Hours
Khajjiar 27 Km 1.5 Hours