Tirthan Valley, Himachal Pradesh - my home in the Himalayas

Tirthan Valley, Himachal Pradesh: Living the Himalayan Dream

Tirthan Valley, a hidden gem tucked away in the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh, India, is a pristine Himalayan escape known for its untouched beauty, crystal-clear rivers, and lush green landscapes. Located near the Great Himalayan National Park, this offbeat destination offers a perfect blend of nature, adventure, and serenity. Whether you’re a trekker, nature lover, or someone seeking peace away from the touristy crowds, Tirthan Valley promises an unforgettable experience in the lap of the Himalayas.

Tirthan Valley has become my home in the Himalayas. After embarking on extensive travels and developing a deep love for the Himalayas, I consciously avoided Himachal Pradesh, seeking my own time to explore this second most beautiful state in India, after Kashmir. Little did I realize that I would be blessed with the opportunity to spend an entire year in Himachal Pradesh. After quitting my job, I gave away most of my belongings, packed only what I needed, and drove all the way from Pune to Himachal Pradesh. Since then, I’ve been living a nomadic life, exploring different parts of the state. Bir, in Himachal Pradesh, was my first abode in the Himalayas. Afterward, I embarked on a backpacking trip to Spiti and Kinnaur. I then planned to spend a month in Tirthan Valley during the winters, hoping to write more blogs as the harsh winters of the Himalayas would keep me indoors.

Tirthan Valley, Himachal Pradesh: Living the Himalayan Dream

​The beauty of Tirthan Valley, a quaint little valley nestled in the lower Himalayas of Kullu district, had captivated me from the moment I arrived. The more I explored this hidden gem, the more I realized it was the place I had been searching for all along—a place where I could call the Himalayas my home. 

Tirthan Valley, Himachal Pradesh - my home in the Himalayas

​The valley is a collection of small hamlets nestled along the road, with some of them beautifully perched on mountains on both sides.

Hamlets in Tirthan Valley, Himachal Pradesh

​Fresh Air to Breath

Tirthan Valley, nestled between majestic mountains and the serene Tirthan River, boasts a unique landscape that offers a blend of rugged peaks, lush forests, and snow-capped mountains. The valley is adorned with fruit orchards and fields, creating a picturesque scene that breathes fresh air. The limited vehicular traffic ensures minimal air pollution, making it a haven for nature lovers seeking a peaceful retreat. 

GHNP in Tirthan Valley, Himachal Pradesh

​Fresh Water to Drink

Tirthan River, a tributary of the Beas River, originates from glaciers of Hanskund, a snow-capped peak in the Great Himalayan National Park. Its clean water, rich in minerals and digestive enzymes, makes me crave water every two hours. I feel privileged to drink this natural water daily. The river flows right outside my room, and I’m addicted to the soothing sound it makes. It constantly reminds me of the life that flows through my veins, inspiring me to embrace the present moment and go with the flow.

Tirthan River, Himachal Pradesh

​Fresh Food to Eat

Naturally grown food is another priority in my life. Agriculture is the primary occupation for the people in Tirthan Valley. They cultivate a variety of crops, including grains like wheat, barley, corn, and rice, legumes such as chickpeas, kidney beans, gram, and lentils, vegetables like green peas, potatoes, tomatoes, ladies fingers, brinjal, and beans, and fruits like plums, apricots, peaches, pears, apples, walnuts, oranges, and Japanese persimmons.
I feel really blessed when I can pluck fresh fruits and vegetables straight from the orchards for myself.

Fruits in Tirthan Valley, Himachal Pradesh

Non-commercialisation in Tirthan Valley

What makes the Tirthan Valley more captivating is its untouched charm. The village names change every kilometer, creating a sense of wonder. Each village has only one shop that caters to basic needs. The shopkeepers have even opened their homes as shops, offering limited options. For instance, I can’t find shampoos, toothpastes, or washing powders. However, I can buy a toothpaste for just INR 10, and bigger sizes aren’t available. Despite these limitations, I don’t feel deprived. I enjoy the satisfaction of walking to the shop every time I need to stock up on essentials.
I’ve always been a minimalist, even when I lived in Pune. I stopped using departmental stores to avoid buying things in bulk. Instead, I visit local stores to buy only what I truly need.
Gushaini, which is just 3 kilometers away from my home, serves as the central market for the valley. It has around 15-20 shops that sell groceries, vegetables, medical supplies, stationery, confectionery, mobile phones, and other daily necessities. There’s also an SBI bank and an ATM in Gushaini.

Local shops in Tirthan Valley, Himachal Pradesh

Loving Family to Live with

One of the wisest decisions I made was to live with a local family in Tirthan Valley. I chose them based on various factors, and I’m proud of my choice. It’s a small family consisting of a young couple and their child, who mostly lives with his grandmother in a traditional Himachali house perched on a mountain. They run a small homestay. I moved in with them on my birthday, November 16, 2016, and since then, I’ve become an integral part of their family. The lady mentioned that if I don’t get married, their son will take care of all three of us when we grow old.
The lady cooks lovingly for me and feels satisfied only when she serves me food. The guy protects me from everything and makes me feel secure here. Both of them easily read my face and check on me if they see me worried. They wake up to see me off and wish me “Best of Journey” when I go out of town, missing me while I’m away.
The bond and trust we’ve built over the past few months are so strong that it’s difficult to separate me from their family.

Local family in Tirthan Valley, Himachal Pradesh

A cozy room to myself

I have my own cozy room in the homestay, and I feel like I own the whole place! Even in Tirthan Valley, my room has a delightful aroma of essential oils. I make my own ginger lemon honey and green teas. Sometimes, I even ask the lovely lady to take a break while I whip up a storm of delicious meals for the whole family. 

Guest house in Tirthan Valley, Himachal Pradesh

Abundant Nature around me

I’m totally addicted to waking up to the soothing sound of the river and the birds who come to my room to wish me good morning. The mornings here are so invigorating, I can’t resist getting out of bed early just to soak in the peacefulness of nature.

Birding in Tirthan Valley, Himachal Pradesh

People of Tirthan Valley welcomed me with wide arms

I’m fortunate to be warmly welcomed in Tirthan Valley. The local ladies are incredibly friendly and love chatting with me about various topics, such as my reasons for quitting my job, how everyone back home is, my lifestyle in the cities, and my experiences here. They never fail to invite me to their homes for tea or dinner.
There are a few locals here who are actively involved in ecotourism, and I’ve learned a great deal from them about the local nature and its evolution over time. I’m deeply impressed by the humility and hard work of these simple and dedicated individuals. They’ve taught me a lot, and I feel incredibly grateful for their guidance.
I’ve already had numerous teas and dinners at their homes in Tirthan Valley, and I can’t help but feel a sense of obligation to repay them for their hospitality. They’ve made me feel truly at home, and it’s not just the teas and dinners that have made me feel this way. It’s their genuine warmth and kindness that have truly touched my heart.

Locals in Tirthan Valley, Himachal Pradesh

​I believe I’ve provided sufficient reasons for extending my stay in Tirthan Valley from one to three months during the winters. I had to travel to the cities for work and other purposes. Consequently, I had to return to Tirthan Valley to spend my summers here. As they say, I had earned the summers here after enduring the harsh winters.

Drop by Bisht Niwas Homestay in Tirthan Valley and give my regards to Kavita & Mahendra.
Contact no: +91-9418093158.