Travellers today are looking beyond their itinerary-driven trips and searching for something more meaningful. And why not? Sometimes, simply soaking in the beauty of nature and immersing yourself in a different culture can be more fulfilling than ticking off boxes from your bucket list.
If you’re one such soul, then Rumsu village is calling out to you! Nestled in the Himalayas, this quaint little village has been standing tall for centuries now and boasts traditional Kath Kuni-style wooden houses that will transport you back to a simpler time. So if it's some peace away from city life that you're after, head on over to Rumsu - just 3-4 km away from Naggar town in Himachal Pradesh - and get ready to take in all its breathtaking beauty!
Rumsu village is more like the perfect idyllic backdrop for those old-school movie romances. Lined with apple orchards and views of untouched mountains, the path to Rumsu is an enchanting one. Along the way, you'll pass Roerich's cottage and art gallery - a reminder of the beauty that awaits you. Whether you take the motorable road or choose to hike it, Rumsu is sure to leave an impression on your heart as well as your camera lens! And if adventure calls, don't forget that Rumsu is also where one can start their trek to Malana base for the Chanderkheni Pass trek.
How to reach Rumsu:
The journey to Rumsu is a magical one! Start your adventure by taking a bus from Delhi to Manali, and then hop on a taxi for the ride through Naggar. When you've arrived in Naggar, you have two choices - take the adventurous route of hiking up the beautiful trail or continue in a vehicle. Whatever path you choose, make sure to soak up all of nature's beauty along the way.
The nearest railway station is Chandigarh (290km), whereas the nearest airport is Bhuntar (37km)
Where to stay in Rumsu
If you want to truly immerse yourself in the local culture, consider staying at one of the many homestays of the village. The love, home-cooked local food, and breathtaking views of the valley will surely make your stay memorable.
A few recommended homestays include the Kailash Rath Rumsu Homestay, Zostel Homes, Apple Farm Stay, and Stanley Homestay.
Places to visit in Rumsu village
Head on over to Kasheri village, where you can witness the most stunning panorama of the majestic Himalayan mountains!
As if that wasn't enough, the sunset here is like something out of a dream. Plus, you'll get to admire all the vibrant cottages made of wood and concrete perched atop this beautiful green mountain. Don't forget to take a short drive over to the Kasheri waterfall too - it's just 5 minutes away!
Just a 1 hour and 40-minute drive from Kasheri village will have you at Jana waterfall.
When you get there, embark on a 15-minute hike up the rocky path surrounded by pine trees to reach the actual waterfall site. When you arrive at the top, be amazed as the single stream of water passes right beside you, cascading down over multiple levels of rocks amidst lush green foliage – an experience like no other! And after the hike, you can reward yourself with a delicious Himachali local meal at the Jana restaurant.
Naggar Castle is a picturesque 15th-century fortress, now transformed into a museum and heritage hotel.
It was built by the legendary Raja Sidh Singh of Kullu and it's like a time machine that takes you back to Naggar's glorious past. Located in Patlikuhal, this castle offers the best view ever of the stunning Kully valley! Inside, you can admire some incredible wooden carvings that represent Himalayan architecture at its finest. Oh, and did I mention there's also an in-house restaurant with breathtaking views?
Calm meets beauty at the Murlidhar temple, also known as the Krishna Mandir. Located a mere 5.1 km away from Rumsu village in Naggar, this 1000-year-old religious site is sure to leave you speechless!
You can either get there by car (just make sure it’s a small 4-seater), or you can even take a short steep trek through the woods. Once inside, prepare to be awed by exotic flowers and a sweet fragrance in the air. And don't forget to check out that incredible 180-degree view of snow-capped mountains and valleys. You'll also find a huge tree in the middle of the temple courtyard, adding to its unique atmosphere.
A two-kilometre trek through the pine forests located 12 km away from the Krishna temple in Naggar will take you to Sajla waterfall, one of Manali's most popular picnic spots.
The journey starts at the orange entry gate of Vishnu Mandir and clear signage on rocks ensures that you don't get lost along the way! The way two water streams gush down the rocks into a natural pool is an amazing sight to behold. The beauty is further enhanced by the tall pine trees and the pleasant forest breeze. So sit by the waterfall and enjoy the scenery while you're there!
It is rightly said that some of the best experiences in life are those that cannot be bought. And these hidden gems of Rumsu village will give you one such experience! So grab your bags and get ready for an unforgettable journey to this offbeat Himachali gem.
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