The Earth House, Palampur (Himachal)

The Earth House, Chandpur Village, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh

Under the mighty Dhauladhars in Himachal lies a small, quiet village of Chandpur, 5km from the Palampur town, tucked away behind the Holta Army station - away from traffic, tourists and crowds. A quick walk down the hillside from the village are wide open fields, with a glacier fed stream - the Awa Khud - flowing alongside. Palampur is lesser known, quieter and more fun than the very popular and overcrowded Dharamshala close by, but full of experiences you'll love - from the Andretta pottery and art gallery, to paragliding at Bir-Billing. Amidst this blessed landscape is The Earth House - made completely of bamboo, mud and slate stone designed by architects in love with the traditional style, completely in sync with nature and a pretty sight to behold. Come over to spend a weekend, a week, or even a month. We promise you'll start to belong.

Accommodation

Two ecologically built Earth Houses house a total of 6 rooms. The construction ensures these are comfortable inside even in colder weather, and there's adequate space for a small family. Each house has its own sitout overlooking some stunning scenery, and you can always ask for breakfast under a tree!

Tariff (Homestay & Campsite)


Accommodation	Rate	Extra Guests / Notes
The Earth House 1 & 2 (Homestay)	2D/1N: ₹5,800 · 3D/2N: ₹11,020 · 4D/3N: ₹15,950 · 5D/4N: ₹20,590	Extra person: ₹1,885/night
Camping	₹1,450 per person per night	Min 4, upto 8 guests in 4 tents

Child Policy: Up to 5 complimentary, 5–12 at 50% (homestay); ₹750/day flat at the campsite.
(Pricing valid upto March 31st 2024, except over Dec 15th – Jan 2nd)

Homestays : The Earth House 1 & 2:

2 days/1 night : Rs.5,800/-
3 days/2 nights : Rs.11,020/-
4 days/3 nights : Rs.15,950/-
5 days/4 nights : Rs.20,590/-
Extra Person per night: 1885/-
(Pricing valid upto March 31st 2024, except over Dec 15th - Jan 2nd)

Pricing is per couple, all inclusive, including taxes, on twin occupancy in a room. This includes everything at the property : all the meals, unlimited tea/non-packaged juices and snacks whenever your tummy grumbles, walks and treks around the property, bonfire, use of the library etc.

Launching Camping :

~~1950/-~~ Intro pricing 1450/- per person per night for min 4. Upto 8 in 4 tents in all. A room with a bathroom in the Riverside cottage will also be dedicated for you. You can pick from 4 different camping spots in the valley and hillside!

Checkin/checkout is at 11am. Feel free to stay with us longer – we might ask for the room in case there’s a guest coming in after you the same day. Kids upto 5 stay complimentary and those 5-12 years of age are at 50% when accompanying an adult - for the homestay accommodation and a nominal 750/- a day for the campsite. Pets are welcome at a nominal charge provided they stay off the linen/furniture, and you can ensure their safety and that of other guests around. We offer long stay discounts and special pricing for multi-week stays.Do write in for more.

A week at Earth House: A gentle guide.

Experiences for every kind of traveller - Whether you prefer absolute stillness or an itinerary packed with discovery, Earth House has room for both.

Day 1 Arrival

Arrive, check in, and take some time to explore the property. In the evening, go for a light stroll or take a dip in the glacial stream, just a short walk down from the cottages. Spend the rest of the day relaxing in a hammock, under a tree.

Day 2 Village Immersion

After breakfast, head out on a guided village walk (2-3 hours) through the fields and bamboo forest to a nearby village. Experience local life- see handloom weaving, visit a traditional pan mill (a flour mill powered by glacial water), and learn about kuhls, the irrigation channels that bring water from the glaciers to the villages. Return by lunch, relax in the afternoon, and enjoy a bonfire in the evening.

Day 3 Hike through Rhododendron, Pine and Oak forests (Start point of the trail is 6 kms from the property)

Start early around 6:30 AM for a DIY hike to Birni Devi Temple (4-5 hours). The trail is steep with loose rocks, adding an exciting element of challenge for those who love an offbeat hiking experience. Take your time navigating the rocky sections, soak in the stunning mountain views, and enjoy the sense of accomplishment as you ascend to the temple in around 2–2.5 hours.

We’ll pack a breakfast for you to enjoy along the way. After spending some time at the temple, make your way back down, allowing approximately 1.5 hours for the descent, and return by noon.

Keep your eyes open for Himalayan wildlife! The region is home to elusive species such as the Himalayan brown bear, Himalayan fox, and leopard. With its rich birdlife and beautiful natural surroundings, this is also a fantastic trail for birding enthusiasts. While sightings of larger mammals are rare, the possibility of encountering signs of wildlife adds an extra layer of excitement to this hike.

Day 4 Jakhni Mata Mandir trek

After breakfast, go for a DIY trek to Jakhni Mata Mandir (8 km round trip, 2–3 hours). It’s an easy and scenic walk through forests and village paths. Return by lunch. In the evening, if you’re up for a short drive, explore the local market in Palampur (about 6 km away).

Day 5 Tea Estate or Pottery Experience

After breakfast, choose between two experiences:

Visit Wah Tea Estate (8 km) for a tea tasting, a walk through the tea gardens, and some time at their café

Head to Andrea Pottery Village (12 km) and try your hand at pottery while observing local artisans

Return by lunch and spend a relaxed evening with a short walk nearby.

Day 6 Adventure at Bir Billing

Take a day trip to Bir Billing (30 km). Leave after breakfast and experience paragliding with certified pilots. Have lunch in Bir and return by evening.

Day 7 Slow Day or Nearby Exploration

Keep your final day flexible:

Take it slow and enjoy the property one last time

Visit Tsuglagkhang Complex in Dharamshala (40 km), home to the Dalai Lama temple

Drive to Baijnath Temple (15 km), a historic Shiva temple known for its architecture and mythological significance

Getting to Chandpur, Palampur (Himachal)

By Train/Cab : Palampur is connected by narrow gauge railway from Pathankot. Approximate distance from Pathankot to Palampur is 112 km. The journey takes about 6–8 hours covering two tunnels, one of which is only 250 feet and the other 1,000 feet in length. There is no reservation system in the train but you can buy a current ticket from the ticketing counter and search for a seat. There are chances that the train may breakdown in the middle. Also the journey may take 8–12 hours. The Kangra Valley toy train also operates in the town. The nearest railway station is at Maranda (Palampur), 6 km from main bus stand. By Road: Palampur is well connected by road to all major cities and towns in and around the state. Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) is the best way to travel plying Air conditioned, Deluxe and Semi Deluxe buses from major cities like Delhi and Chandigarh. Distances to the major cities are Delhi (530 km), Chandigarh(254 km), Shimla (259 km),Manali (205 km), Dharamshala (35 km), Kangra (51 km)

Around Chandpur, Palampur

Jakhni Mata Temple Train Ride Bir-Billing Paragliding Jogindernagar The Hydel Power Project Andretta Pottery and Art Gallery Treks and Hikes