Courtesy Stay on Skill that we got to visit Tirthan Valley this time and who knew that beautiful Sunshine Himalayan Cottage was in store for us. It was SOS’s first anniversary and the team decided to celebrate it at Tirthan. Along with the places we explored at Tirthan, Sunshine Himalayan Cottage deserves a special mention. We spend 2 days here and consider this place already an important part of life.
Tirthan Valley:
Located in the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh, Tirthan Valley derives its name from the Tirthan river, which winds its way through it. The Tirthan Valley is called Himachal’s best kept secret and is a paradise for nature lovers. Its also listed as an important bird area designated by the IUCN having more than 250 species of birds! Tirthan is the only river in the Himalayas which has been kept untouched of any hydroelectric development to protect the unique ecosystem of the pristine river.
About the cottage:
Sunshine Himalayan Cottage is one of the best-located properties in Tirthan Valley with plenty of areas spread out in about 2 acres! You can get a beautiful riverside view from every room’s balcony.
The architecture is eco-friendly and is made in such a manner to inspire the local Tirthan valley residents to do quality construction with the elements of nature mainly wood, stone, and mud. You will even find a living tree growing in its kitchen which spreads also to its special tree house room coming out in the slate roof.
Owners of Sunshine Himalayan Cottage, Mr. Panki Sood & Mr. Ankit Sood have been working hard in establishing Community Based Ecotourism.
Food:
When in Himachal, taste Himachali food. And the amazing cooks from the kitchen of Sunshine Himalayan Cottage brings the best and authentic recipes. Whether it’s famous kullu siddu stuffed with poppy seeds or the singing nettle soup. Local juices, jams, and pickles are the add on. Not to miss, freshly plucked fruits from the farms are too tasty to miss.
Activities you can do during your stay:
- Angling
- River Crossing
- Rappelling
- Trek to GHNP (Great Himalayan National Park)
- Visit Chhoie waterfall
- Bird Watching
Checkout this to know more about Tirthan – Tirthan in Pictures !
Know the host:
Mr. Panki Sood and Mr. Ankit Sood are the proud owners of this beautiful property. During my stay there, i met Panki Sir. He is a mountaineer, a managing host at the GHNP Treks and Explorations in Tirthan Valley, Himachal Pradesh. He has engaged around 60 locals who take people on treks in the GNHP, a UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site. He is quite famous among the tourists for his nocturnal escapades to click wildlife. Trust me when i say, your Tirthan visit is incomplete without meeting Panki Sir. A conversation with him is no less than an experience in itself.
Panki sir is also a TEDx Speaker and the topic of his talk was – Freedom – How to get rid of vicious drug addiction
It’s an interesting one. Do check it out.
How to Reach (from Delhi / Chandigarh):
By Road: From Delhi by road distance is 550 km a fourteen hours journey by bus and Taxi. Delhi to Chandigarh, Chandigarh to Aut on NH-21 . Before Aut Tunnel divert on SH-12 towards Khundan(Banjar) 30 km up to Tirthan Nature Camps (Upper Goshani Road).
By Air: From Delhi Airport to Bhunter Kullu Manali airport and Drive 42km by Taxi up to Tirthan Nature Camps (Upper Goshani).
By Train: From Delhi to Kiratpur railway station. From Kiratpur railway station by Taxi up to Tirthan Nature Camps (Upper Goshani).
Check out the location map here:
Book a Stay:
Address: Village Hamini PO Gaidhar Banjar Tirthan Valley, Road, Pekhri, Himachal Pradesh- 175123
Mobile: +91-8894000613
Email: pankisood@gmail.com
Website: http://www.tirthanvalley.com/
You can book from:
https://www.booking.com/hotel/in/sunshine-himalayan-cottage.en-gb.html
Or from Airbnb: https://www.airbnb.co.in/rooms/27271325
My Verdict:
I find Sunshine Himalayan Cottage a perfect space to spend some leisure time in the lap of nature. The best part about this cottage is its location. It’s just next to the Tirthan river. This property is perfect for couples and families.
Food: 4/5
Location: 5/5
Wi-Fi: No
Cottage: 5/5
Value for money: 4.5/5
Hygiene: 5/5
Parking facility: Yes
Approximate cost for 2 people: Rs. 6500 (Breakfast inclusive)
Oh! Hold on. Know the mind behind this beautiful architecture:
The traditional mud architecture of Sunshine Himalayan cottage has been built with the help of input from Didi Contractor: A Self-Taught Architect who builds with mud, bamboo & stone. Now in her late eighties, she has been actively involved in the so-called ‘sustainable architecture’ in its true sense for the last about three decades. She is now helping Panki Sir build a community center and a library for local kids in the Sunshine Campus at Tirthan.
Isn’t it interesting?
You can check out more details about Sunshine Himalayan Cottage on TripAdvisor, Instagram, and Facebook
I hope you enjoyed this article.
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XOXO
