Tirthan Valley, Himachal Pradesh - my home in the Himalayas

4/16/2017

Tirthan Valley, a hidden gem in Himachal Pradesh, is what I call my home in the Himalayas. Once I started traveling extensively and got addicted to the Himalayas, I consciously kept away from Himachal Pradesh, because I needed my own sweet time to explore Himachal Pradesh, the second most beautiful state in India after Kashmir. Little did I know then that I would be blessed enough to get to spend an entire year in Himachal Pradesh. After I quit my job, I donated most of my belongings, packed only what I needed and drove all the way to Himachal Pradesh from Pune. I am living a completely nomadic life in different parts of Himachal Pradesh since then. Bir in Himachal Pradesh was my first abode in the Himalayas. Thereafter I backpacked in Spiti and Kinnaur. I then planned to spend a month in Tirthan Valley in winters, hoping to write more blogs as the ruthless winters of Himalayas would keep me indoors.

Tirthan Valley, Himachal Pradesh - my home in the Himalayas

The beauty of Tirthan Valley had blown me away since the day I landed. It is a quaint little valley in the lower Himalayas of Kullu district. The more I explored Tirthan, the more I realised that this is the place I had been looking for all this while, a place which I could call my home in the Himalayas.

Tirthan Valley, Himachal Pradesh

The valley is a collection of small hamlets along the road and the ones beautifully perched on mountains on both the sides.

Hamlets in Tirthan Valley, Himachal Pradesh

Fresh Air to Breath

One road runs through the middle of Tirthan valley with mountains on either side and Tirthan river on one side. The vehicles that run here are so few that it hardly pollutes the air. Tirthan Valley offers a blend of rocky mountains, dense forested mountains and snow-covered mountains. The valley is covered with fruit orchards and fields. This valley completely satisfies my need of breathing fresh air.

GHNP in Tirthan Valley, Himachal Pradesh

Fresh Water to Drink

Tirthan River has the cleanest water, with minerals and digestive enzymes that make me hungry every 2 hours. The river is a tributary of river Beas and originates from glaciers of Hanskund, a snow covered peak in the Great Himalayan National Park . I feel privileged to drink this natural water everyday. The river flows right outside my room, and I'm addicted to the sound of the river. It constantly reminds me of the life that runs through my veins and motivates me to go with the flow.

Tirthan River, Himachal Pradesh

Fresh Food to Eat

Naturally grown food is another priority of my life. Agriculture is the primary occupation for the people in Tirthan Valley. They grow all the grains (wheat, barley, corn, rice), dals (chickpeas, kidney beans, gram, lentils), vegetables (green peas, potatoes, tomatoes, ladies fingers, brinjal, beans) and fruits (plums, apricots, peaches, pears, apples, walnuts, oranges, Japanese persimmons).
I again feel privileged when I can pluck fresh fruits and veggies straight from the orchards for myself.

Fruits in Tirthan Valley, Himachal Pradesh

Non-commercialisation in Tirthan Valley

What makes the valley more beautiful is the non-commercialisation here. The village names change after almost every kilometre. There's just 1 shop in each village that provides with the basic needs. The shopkeepers have opened up shops in their homes itself. I have no choice of shampoos or toothpastes or washing powders. I can buy a toothpaste only worth INR 10, bigger sizes aren't available. And to make it clear, that doesn't make me sad at all. I'm happy to walk down to the shop every time I need to stock up my little resources. I had started living minimalistic even when I lived in Pune. I had stopped using departmental stores so that I don't buy things in bulk. I had started visiting the local stores to buy only what I really needed.
Tirthan Valley has a central market in Gushaini (3km away from my home) with 15-20 shops for groceries, vegetables, medical, stationery, confectionery, mobile and other daily needs. There's also SBI bank and ATM at 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 a family,based on various factors, and I'm proud of my choice. It is a small family of a young couple and their kid who mostly lives with his grandmother in a traditional Himachali house perched on a mountain. They run a small homestay. I had moved in with them on my birthday 16 November 2016 and since then, I'm a part of their family, to an extent that the lady mentioned that if I don't get married, their son will take care of all 3 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 secured 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 and miss me while I'm away.
The bond and trust that we have built over few months is so strong that it is difficult to separate me out of their family.

Local family in Tirthan Valley, Himachal Pradesh

A cozy room to myself

I have my own room in the homestay, though I use the entire house freely. My room even in Tirthan Valley smells of aroma oils. I make my own ginger lemon honey and green teas and there are times when I ask the lady to rest while I cook for the family.

Guest house in Tirthan Valley, Himachal Pradesh

Abundant Nature around me

I am addicted to waking up to the sound of the river and birds who drop in by my room to wish me good morning. The mornings are so refreshing here, that I love to get out of my bed early just to treasure the serenity of nature.

Birding in Tirthan Valley, Himachal Pradesh

People of Tirthan Valley welcomed me with wide arms

I'm lucky to be welcomed in Tirthan Valley with lot of warmth. The ladies here loved talking to me about various things like why I quit my job, how is everyone back home, how was my lifestyle in the cities, how do I like it here. They never forget to invite me to their place for tea or dinner. There are few locals here doing great work with ecotourism. I learn a lot from them about the nature and how it has changed over time. I'm very impressed with the humility of these simple and hard-working people. I have a lot to learn from them.
I have already had teas and dinners at so many homes in Tirthan Valley, I don't know how am I going to pay it back to them! They make me feel at home. More than the teas and dinners, it's their warmth that makes me obliged to them.

Locals in Tirthan Valley, Himachal Pradesh

I think I've listed enough excuses for me extending the month to 3 months in the winters. I had them gone to the cities for some work and other travels. I had to come back to Tirthan Valley to spend my summers here. Like they say, I deserved the summers here after living through the harsh winters.

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

Related Posts:

Things to do in Tirthan Valley

Living in a Traditional Himachali house in Tirthan Valley

Bir - my first abode in the Himalayas

18 Comments

Author

Namaste! I'm Medhavi Davda.
I travel to Evolve..
In Nature, I confide..
I find my calling in the Himalayas..
In the Oceans, I meditate..

A High-Altitude Trekker & PADI certified SCUBA Diver, I love exploring the heights and depths of the planet with my regular doses of mountains and oceans.

Discovering myself & life through nature, adventures, travels, sports and dance has been an addiction since my existence!

Quite fond of the natural & cultural diversity of India, I've travelled extensively in my own country before exploring international destinations.

I had left my 9+ yrs of career in Software Industry in a quest to make a living out of my passions. I packed my basics in my car (gave away the rest) and lived in different parts of Himachal Pradesh for 16 months. This invaluable time taught me to experience life from a broader perspective.

I'm currently living in Mumbai to work with an Adventure Travel company as a product manager for Scuba Diving. I continue living a minimalistic life.

RavenousLegs on Instagram

Gautham Baliga B link

4/24/2017 12:30:24

Looks like u will settle down in Tirthan valley. Very Inspiring story!

Anil Rajde

4/24/2017 12:43:43

Hi RL,
I m Anil from Mumbai. I had liked ur FB page since 3 months n following it regularly. This is my first comment for blogspot n salute your courage for leaving your high paid job n wandering solo in HP n UK.My query is how you pass your time without work, don't feeled bored n depressed?. Sometime I also feel to leave Mumbai's hectic life n go to Himalayas but don't have guts to do. M really impressed for your decision n listen to heart to enjoy in laps of nature. Have a wonderful time ahead.

Sanjeev Gandhi

4/24/2017 18:55:52

Beautiful blog. So you are also a travel junky who would like to spend the life in the Himalayas. Enjoy your summer at tirthan. You are living there in which village?

Sangita

4/24/2017 19:06:20

Hey impressed, I connect to your lifestyle, this is what I have been dreaming of,honestly unable to move out from the grind. Look forward for exploring such a lifestyle for self, hat off you have understood the real worth if nature and life, God bless you lot of happiness and peace. You are a wonderful

Kallol Bhattacharyya

4/24/2017 19:29:38

Good decision to avoid city kakofony. Actually your present life style is a matter of fact. Enjoy the situation with share to us.

Raj

4/25/2017 02:40:16

A life envy by many including myself. Far from madrace, close with nature. I feel that is the ultimate happy life. I live in north east India and I have been to most part of Himachal. I find lots of similarity in these two areas. The people are friendly and helpful. Both the places are hilly with small rivers and civilisation and modernisation hardly touch the interiors. The air is free from pollution and sometimes can sleep the whole day and don't feel guilty.
Anyway love reading your story. Thank you for sharing your story.

Ramandeep singh

4/25/2017 07:55:29

Hi RL !
I m also love to travel especially in Himachal. In the last 2-3 years I travelled lahaul spiti kaza leh manali but my only concern is that how can I found a place where i can live like you for longer period. How can we trust someone?
If we started living permanently here then what we do for living?
Are you paying any rent money or you just stay on behalf of good behaviour
How did you prepare yourself for quit your job?
How your family responded?

Puneet

4/25/2017 21:31:05

You are an inspiration.

VISHWATAM SEHGAL

7/12/2017 11:26:07

Dear Madhavi,
Whatever you have written in absolutely true as we as a family are still overwhelmed with the staying experience and wonderful views of Himalyas during our three day stay at Tirthan Valley adjacent to the room you are staying.
The Hospitality of the family is unforgettable. We were lucky to stay with with them.
Pls keep updating your explorations in the Himalyan Destinations, particularly Himachal Pradesh as I lpersonally has great love for Himachal.

Nisha Joseph

7/27/2017 13:46:01

Hi Medhavi,

I always look.forward to your blogs. Very inspiring. Medhavi, can u please tell me, how donu.manage ur finances, since u have left ur job. Is this hppening for some time, and ubwull be back to work maybe later.
Also me being a girl, it will.be lot of convincing for.my family. Even i am on some outstation. Trip, i have to call them.everyday. How did u convince your family for this, especially since you are alone.
Also how do you.spend your day. Is there anyday u get bored? Or are u involved in something?

Thanks & Regards,
Nisha Joseph

Anubhav Lal link

2/26/2018 19:22:32

Hi,

Madhavi I am so happy to read your blog.

About me:-

'I am....' that's all I know about myself.

I am a 33 yr old, ex naval officer (10 years of service in Indian navy).

Now working as an information security professional in Mumbai.

Long time ago I fell in love, only then I realised how beautiful the world is.

Since then craving for Himalayas.... fresh air.... smell of the woods...the stars in the sky....

I want to pursue my dream now of living in the Himalayas.... can help me with your guidance ? Don't want to spend my life in front of dumb screens ....want to live watching the valleys and the sky and that all I NEED.

I have met many who want to live like this. we can work together to make a community like that.
Regards
Lt Cdr Anubhav Lal.

Tanvir

6/9/2018 00:24:47

Very impressive ,,,, your story and the blog. Could you suggest a lazy itinerary for a week in Tirthan Valley from Delhi ?!. Also basic village stays with mobile numbers ... Thanks.

ASHISH SRIVASTAVA

2/8/2019 12:48:38

How do you sustain yourself financially. Because I see that you have a pretty decent lifestyle with Apple laptop etc.

Hardik Sanghavi

4/1/2019 04:18:59

Hi medhavi,

I have read almost all of your blogs..

I am planning himachal for first time in coming may with my wife n 10 year old daughter. Want you opinion as to which valley I should select tirthan or sangla valley (kalpa, chitkul) . I have 10 days at my disposal. Please suggest.

Thank you

ishaan

4/3/2019 16:27:57

How to reach tirthan valley,i am planing with gf to go there,is this safe for couples and i am confused where to reach in tirthan valley gushani or some other village.

Prags

6/30/2019 17:14:25

hey, I spent 45 days in himachal, without a plan! Came across your blog today, and I feel that I am not alone in choosing to do what I want too. Thank you for being you:)

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