Hidden Hamlet- Thata

ABOUT THE VILLAGE-

Among the hinterlands of Mandi is the quaint village of Thatta with a population of just about 600 people. They are a strong knit of community, with a rich collective essence binding them to their native roots. Perched on the topmost point of Thata Village, Shukdev Rishi Homestay boasts of alluring views of the rolling mountains and vegetation. The 10 minute climb from the main entrance of the village to the stay is a guaranteed worthwhile journey. You get a peek into what you can expect of your stay, and other things you didn't even dream of.

PROPERTY OVERVIEW-

The homestay is a double-storey house with a corridor balcony on the first floor, where you can lean against the rails with a hot beverage as your eyes take in the beauty of the mountains and the entire village below. It offers a large open lawn for you to roam about and laze around with the mystical Himalayas as the backdrop.

FOOD-

Indulge in Traditional Himachali Cuisine- A wholesome local dining experience is in store for you since you'd be living with a Himachali family. Immerse yourself in the flavours of their traditional cuisine while they educate you about the origin, history and traditional significance of the food you’re consuming while simultaneously demonstrating how it needs to be eaten or how a traditional beverage needs to be drunk! With fresh farm to table food, cooked together by the women of the household in traditional chulhas, you get to bless your taste buds with a burst of rich Pahadi deliciousness.

EXPERIENCES:
Treks and Trails
If you’re a fan of hiking and trekking, we’ve certainly got you covered! Based on your preference, you can either opt for-
Short treks: Trek uptil Manglaud which is enroute Parashar lake. It is a 3 km trail.
Long treks: Trek along Parashar Khad (stream) which offers mesmerizing views of the Himalayas. On the way, you can visit Sukhdev Rishi Temple and Sukhsar Lake. You will also be able to spot pink rhododendrons in Spring, that is, from March to April.
Palnidhar Village- Trek to this small, pleasant quiet village on top. Follow the Tunga Mata temple trail through beautiful fields on the mountain top and enjoy the beautiful shades of the colourful sunset.
A day with the Devtas: Spiritual Temple Trail
The village has a rich spiritual connection owing to the presence of Sage Parashar and the local guiding deities or devtas. Thatta is essentially known for its Sukhdev Rishi Temple. By going for a stroll around the village you can delve deeper into the history and feel the religious and spiritual aura of the village, while experiencing temple rituals. There’s one temple located right in the centre, one in lower Thatta and the main temple is at a distance of 1.5 kms from the main village.
Heritage Walks
If you’re an ardent admirer of architectural magnificence and cultural significance, Thatta won’t let you down for sure! The traditional Kathkuni architecture is still very prominent in the old houses, granaries, gaushalas and not to mention the pagoda style temple architecture. You can bring out the photographer in you and start snapping!
Spend a day with Ringal Artisans
Ringal craft is a dying artform of several Himalayan states practiced by local experts. These artisans can make pen stands, laundry bags, baskets, pen stands, jewelry boxes and more! You can spend your day with these artists and create your own product with their guidance or just listen to their stories and observe the rather intricate process!
Get involved in day-to-day activities of village life
Break away from city routines and chores and live life the simple way- you can take animals out to graze first thing in the morning or help out in the fields, by planting, weeding or harvesting. If there’s an inner chef inside you that needs to be awakened, you can also assist in the kitchen and learn more about the local ingredients and recipes!