Introduction

Hidden away in Shimla Hills is the village of Thanedar, famous for its apple orchards but very few know about the inspiring feature that makes it as year round travel destination.

A sixty minutes excellent mountain drive from Theogto Thanedarpasses through the small towns of Matyana and Narkanda. Scattered on the slopes are tiny hamlets and terraces showcasing the true essence of Himalaya and its people.

From Narkandathe drive further descends to reach ‘TaniJubbar’ –a meadow within a lake. A temple built in ‘Pahari’ style sanctifies the lake as a holy one.

We drive further to village of Kotgarh. Like every civilization, the invading soldiers carried their religion and Godsalong. So a Church established in 1841 here, still exists. From here one can admire the course of River Sutlej arising from the Highlands of Tibet and making its way down to Arabian Sea.

From Kotgarh we drive to Thanedar Orchard Retreat for High Tea. While enjoying the distant views of Western Himalayan Range and Sutlej valley we discuss the most remarkable contribution to the native and Himachal, introduction of apples. And the credit goes to Samuel Evans Stokes, an American Missionary settled down on the hilltop of Thanedar known as Barubag. He bought this property from an English lady, married a local girl, got converted into Hindu. The temple and Harmony Hall marks the presence of a man who introduced apples to the Hills. Concluding the day retrace the route and drive back to Theog.