HimGiri Village Resort

Himgiri is set amidst sylvan surroundings. There are infinite miles of unspoiled Deodar forests all around, as far as the eye can see. The hotel is nestled in an apple orchard, which was in full bloom when we visited (26-29 June 2016). This place is far away from everywhere and located in the middle of nowhere - which is actually just perfect! There are 15 rooms in the hotel, overlooking a lush green valley and facing the imposing Shali Tibba. The rooms are very well done and have a warm, woody feel. The view from the rooms is splendid and it is magical to sit in the balcony and watch dawn break over the forest, ushered in by the chirping of birds. There are lots of trekking routes in the vicinity and one is spoiled for choice of outings. Himgiri is located about 4 km off the main Shimla-Naldehra road and the drive to the hotel is over a beautifully winding road, chaperoned by tall cedars on either side. For those who are fond of driving in the hills, this is bliss. To get to Himgiri, one needs to get past Mahasu House (this is the landmark for driving) and cross the idyllic village of Purani Koti. The road hits a rough patch here, but it is easily motorable and getting to Himgiri is not much of an issue. There is ample parking space in front of the hotel. Himgiri is run by a father-son duo of Motilal Sharma and Dharmendra. It is not a conventional commercial hotel but one that conveys a sense of living in a house. The owners are an affable lot and are wont to regale the guests with stories of the hills and the villages. Food is homey and delicious, served with personal care by Rakesh, the caretaker. This place is ideal for those who wish to sever ties with civilisation for a few days and rejuvenate the soul with silent music of the hills, the rustle of breeze among the needles of the tall cedars, the covering and unfolding of the green valley by clouds that can be touched, the heady scent of mist in the air and wonderfully long walks in the woods. Although remote, the place is safe for a family vacation. All of this for a price that is irresistibly low and a treatment that is supremely satisfying. A must go-back to. Himgiri checks 5 stars on every front.