“Guncha's view is panoramic, it is invigorating.”
Is there a story behind Guncha's location?
Guncha's location was discovered in the early 1980s by an Indian business family, originally as a standalone estate for a private sanctuary.
The family roots were in a variety of sectors, 1960/70s Indian cinema distribution, manufacturing and Indian law. Due to a wide network of activities, private hospitality became an integral part of their daily affairs as prominent persons frequently joined them for informal gatherings. A part of the family's innate interests was in spiritual explorations and towards the natural elements. Nature was seen as a powerful guiding hand in the overall development of the individual, it was a reminder of the bigger picture of life.
Apart from trade and industry, creativity was considered closely linked to spirituality, specifically fine arts, modern art and music. They were revered as a form of nature's essence holding the capacity to bring transformation and invigoration. The discovery of Guncha's location brought it all together, Guncha was the jewel in the crown.
Standing tall with the Himalaya
Guncha's location was observed as a reflection of natural art that came with its own masterpiece of music, the sounds of natural elements. In each moment you can experience the sounds of nature, a live immersive work of art. Guncha was a tall open vision, unsympathetically free, a universal masterpiece that invigorated everyone. Although there were numerous pocket locations in Dalhousie, yet the openness and accessibility of Guncha was unmatched. The location had an automatic pull towards it.
Love at first sight?
Guncha held a timeless promise, open and limitless with a panoramic setting that saw golden sunrises to deep bronze sunsets. The location had its own pulse that played to the tune of whatever mood the mountains took. Over time, not only did Guncha attract admirers but there was always new wildlife that visited the estate frequently and to this day still does. Commonly seen were the Indian black bear, Langoor, Himalaya birds of paradise, deer, mountain cat etc. It was by continuous admiration of private guests and visitors that evidently led to the creation of Hotel Guncha, set within Guncha estate.
"The magnitude of the location can only really be experienced when you stand facing the Himalaya. You can feel the mountains, they have a natural eco, alive and buzzing."
When was Hotel Guncha opened?
Hotel Guncha is a panoramic location with a view that provides unobstructed vision across the mountain valley. The 13 room hotel first opened its doors to guests in mid 90’s. Hotel Guncha is famous for its sunrise and sunset that can be seen all in one frame.
The estate already held two existing mini stone chalets which were the homes of a Frenchman. Later the family built another private wooden chalet at the top roadside point within the estate for personal use. And thereafter, a few years later the hotel was created. The premises were constructed in a typical local vernacular architectural style using local tradesman and the exceptionally large terraces were created specifically so that guests could experience the valley ahead unobstructed. Today it is rare to find such large terraces in the newer more standardised hotels as vouched for by our guests.
Hotel Guncha’s destination
A place that inexplicably blurred boundaries between natural elements and man. In which a sort of heartbeat pulsates in the atmosphere with a natural cleansing effect. It is a peripheral area in which there is a sense of being one step closer to knowing the bigger picture of life. The location offered an abode of balance and a comprehensive mirror to its admirers.
When you experience the Himalaya, you become one with its heartbeat, it is invigorating.
What do you mean by the energy of the Himalaya?
The himalayas of India have an ancient connectivity both metaphorically and spiritually in the Indian culture. They are held in high esteem as they mark the significance of a world different from what man has created, a bigger picture, all pervading.
The Himalaya is alive. Each time you observe the view at Guncha it is different, every moment is new. It is an immersive experience and one that naturally invigorates. The energy, so to speak, is the experience that the Himalaya offers, it is an ever-changing frequency filled with great rejuvenation. We all need a little fine tuning now and again.
Where did the name Guncha come from?
The meaning of the name as far as known, was related to flowers-roses with an Urdu origin. S.S.Singhji was born in India Lahore, Jarawala prior to the partition of India, both he and his wife lived through the changing landscape of India’s independence. He spoke fluent Urdu which links the origins to the use of the name Guncha. Some have also defined the name as a bunch of flowers. The name was selected by the family for the entire estate which came to be known as Guncha estate marking two auspicious events, its discovery and simultaneously in the same year the birth of the first grandchild who was also named Guncha.
Guncha
ग़ुंचेغنچہ a bud, a rose-bud
'I'm going to Guncha, see
you there'
When did Guncha first open to guests as a hotel?
Guncha Estate’s hotel area was named Hotel Guncha Siddhartha, an intimate 13 room hotel that opened its doors in the 1990’s under the vision of the family. In the 90’s newer hotels were few and most existing hotels had long standing establishment. Although the 90’s were not new to the internet yet in the Indian Himalaya it was a scarce commodity with only remote dial-up internet availability, the type that dialled via telephone and connected to the world-wide web through a number of continuous beeps. Guncha opened its premises to guests a decade before the technological upsurge of fast moving tech brands like Airbnb, Oyo and home stays were unheard of.
Today, the hotel is predominantly known by the locals as Hotel Guncha.
What is Hotel Guncha best known for?
The hotel is set on the private family owned hillside which overlooks unobstructed views across the Pir Panjal Dhauladar mountain ranges of the Himalaya. Guncha is located in Dalhousie which is a district in Chamba in the state of Himachal Pradesh, India. The Mountain areas of North India are also known as hill stations and were popular destinations for summer retreats, a trend that became prominent from colonial India and one that continues today but with a more blended identity true to the free spirit of India.
Hotel Guncha has exceptionally large terraces that were built for guests and travellers to make the experience of the location intimate. Whereby, the rooms open out towards the valley views and guests can walk outside straight from their rooms to enjoy their own morning mediation in tune with the sunrise, breakfast or simple stroll at their convenience. It is a rare find to enjoy such large spaces in the more newer hotels that have sprouted around Dalhousie over the last decade.
One of our recent guests have said;
“The view of the valley is really breathtaking, haven’t seen a hotel with a better view, the 4th star is for the view, go for balcony side room, you may get better hotels for the price but not the view” - Guncha’s Guest, MR. Dipin M
What is Dalhousie?
Dalhousie consists of five hills with an elevation of approximately 6,460 feet above sea level. The town was named after the Earl of Dalhousie during the colonial era of British - India during this time the destination became an iconic summer retreat. Before this, it was under the wing of native Maharaja’s of the area.
“Dalhousie is a tourist place of international fame. Thousands of tourists, both domestic and foreign, visit Dalhousie every year.” (Outlook India)
Dalhousie is located in distt Chamba, in the state of Himachal Pradesh North India. It is a multi - cultural hillside town and a little gem to experience.
Have there been any famous personalities visiting Guncha?
Yes, in the late 90’s Late actor Vinod Khanna and son Akshay shot parts of the songs for the launch for Akshay’s film. Well known Indian choreographer, Saroj Khan and crew enacted dance steps in the bottom garden grounds for the actors to follow near the golden delicious apple trees.
My family and I would like to stay at Guncha, when can I book my stay?
Currently, the premises are closed however will be reopening from Spring 2022 March onward. Customers can join our waiting list to be notified first when you can book a room in advance at Guncha. Reservations will begin as early as December 2021 online. Our advance payment and reservations policy continues without any changes.
During this time Guncha is streamlining its services and bringing a new face to the premises and we hope our guests make their stay a memorable one. You will find a new and improved version of the existing space. #vacation #dream #summer #himalaya #paradise
In the meantime please join the waitlist for Spring/Summer 2022:
Subscribe to Hotel Guncha's waiting list for spring/summer 2022 holidays
OR
Don't miss out on our new store! Got to store
Browse the iconic collections and gifts on Guncha's new online store, shop and delivered straight to your home. Inspired by the energy of the Himalaya, for the Dreamers, the Iconic Indian, the lovers, for everyone!