In his essay “At the Himalayas," the great writer RabindraNath Tagore detailed, “I sometimes imagine myself as a foreigner, and only then do I discover how much is to be seen.”
When was the last time that you ‘walked?’
Where were you walking?
Were you walking solo or with others?
Have you ever walked in the Himalaya?
Lets Walk.
The Himalayas are known to most of us as a stunning set of mighty mountains that hold deep geographical and spiritual importance for India and the world. Yes, but this aside, they are also an indulgent reservoir of ancient techniques which act as an elixir for the modern day person. One of these ‘elixirs’ is the understated art of walking in a natural environment.
With seasonal shifts and plush green landscape comes the possibility to invigorate and uplift. It's a sort of a “non alcoholic cocktail” in the traditional sense. Yet it holds its own intoxicating, life-promoting effect and one that returns on time invested many fold. When asked about the Himalaya, the following phrases that crown the Himalaya in all its beauty are many but few; invigorating, restoring, balancing, exciting, challenging, relentless, gentle and romantic.
"With the stark contrasts of the man made world, the romantic point of view helps to smoothen the sharp edges, making the ride all the more valuable."
Bespoke boutique travel is not just about high quality or well placed interior. Location and experience matter, and a unique travel hospitality-philosophy can be like water to a dry well. Guncha’s philosophy is deeply connected with the boutique lifestyle. The beauty about ‘lifestyle’ is that it offers a world of many experiences some suited and some that depend on the Traveller. In this Himalayan EXplorer article we pay homage to “walking, walking in nature, as well as with nature.” And the crowning glory, Our luxurious Himalaya’s.
Lets walk.
Walking involves both physical movement as well as energetically shifting our state of mind and all that comes with it. When most of our movement through the world is automated, human nature is prone to missing out on self discoveries. Walking too is prone to this predicament. This is something a lot of us experience in our day to day activity. Automation is necessary in some respects but we beg to differ in the case of nature. Nature is never automated and never has been yet maintains a cycle of replenishing life season by season.
"Pausing the automatic motion to switch on the walk"
For the naturally inclined, it brings about a state of pure flow internally and externally. We call this “Himalayan Flow”, in context of our location. Flow because it influences human well being positively or in modern terms it is a friend of good “self care.” And, much more than the human mind can imagine.
Taking this further, we say that Indian philosophies are the "Gold & Diamonds" of Self Care from terrain, techniques to how to eat well for life. These ancient forms of practice are not new ideas but have been practiced in India for thousands of years. Region to region it varys.
Today information is everywhere but authentic deep knowledge, wisdom and application of a discipline is what brings real benefit to others.
All forms of Travel intimately is interlinked with the human need for well being through exploration, recuperation, adventure, playtime and of course a little bit of Pizazz.
Given our current day predicament, as the earth matures, holistic self care and rejuvenation are even more necessary practices for living the good life.
"'Balance is the name of the game'. 'Walk, walk, and walk with pleasure.'"
At Guncha, walking is a lifestyle practice. A much loved, tried and tested method that promotes a sense of rejuvenation. Many of our guests over the years have intertwined in and out of Dalhousie in awe of its royal views, lively inhabitants and shape shifting climate.
Guncha’s founders, our Grandfather and Grandmother would particularly dress for their morning or evening Himalayan walk. From pearls to silk clothing, a great set of bespoke loafers and casual-formal dressed staff member that would eagerly await for -The Walk. It was was a sort of “ YSL Haute Couture street style at its best.” A way to celebrate the beauty of life through self adornment in a healthy balance. Predominantly, a salute to nature of which we are a part of.
It was self care ritual that was formal as well as informal and bore many a benefit year on year. There was a technique to it. The technique involved walking, swaying but with an openness. 40 years later this ritual is all the more relevant and one that needs a little more perspective and attention in modern times.
Dalhousie although a petite town would see and still does welcome travellers from India as well as from across the world. Because of this it has a cosmopolitan air to it especially in busy seasons. A place where you can detox and replenish by just being there.
“A stiff glass of the Himalaya with or without ice." We say.
As with all things in life, all things have many facets and whether we experience or innovate a particular facet really depends on if we can perceive that part of reality. Walking is one activity which may be an existential limb but it is much more than mere movement, although it is.
Walking is a universal language that is a part of every place. In context of self care, it is the first go to therapeutic advice packaged commonly as, “Walking recommended” or “take a walk" especially in mature economies where natural living is becoming a luxury commodity. In the some parts of the world it is “advised” but in other areas it is “a primary mode of existence" that has not been forgotten. Shall we frolic or not? Interesting comparatives, we leave the rest as food for thought.
The purpose behind this article “The Ultimate Walk” was to step a little further leaving the cliche behind. To try and touch some of the other facets. There is a vast treasure chest of experience in the Indian Himalaya and it’s unique for each traveler. What’s more, the Himalaya forms a bond with each traveler which walks with you throughout life. Quote, "When a man moves away from nature, his heart. becomes hard" - Native American Proverb.
"A Series of compositions - The Ultimate Walk"
To capture its intoxicating spirit we commissioned a series of video with select compositions of nature and uplifting sounds which can be enjoyed from wherever you are. Of course not the same as the real thing but certainly a romantic glimpse of it.
“The High End appeal of Meditative Techniques”
The Ultimate Walk series provides insight into what we call “walking in luxury” or “The Ultimate Walk” bringing you the spirit of the Himalaya as known to us and our loyal guests for over twenty years.
To share “The Ultimate Walk” the compositions (we hope) may awaken a sense of natures spirit. Sightly on the romantic side, however by choice. The Ultimate Walk, is an Immersive Experience that embodies the spirit of the Himalaya of India. It walks you through nature with a luxurious perspective, if we may go so far and say, the “Haute Couture” of nature. The walk is a journey of visual beauty and sounds carefully selected, some a part of the Himalayan seasonal environment.
The series is an immersive experience that transports travellers through Natural Luxury. Elegant, vibrant and ever changing coupled with a romantic outlook on travel, the Himalaya are a complete destination vision for the traveller. Travelers from around the world for long stay holidays spending their vacations exploring and immersing themselves in its natural beauty. It is a natural dose of bliss, playful yet profound.
“Walk, walk brisk, walk slow, walk deep, walk lively, walk solo, walk with another or walk with others, stroll, glide or even slide, sway this way or that way, walk in the Himalaya and walk with the Himalaya.”
Explore parts of the series here; The Ultimate Walk - i, The Ultimate Walk ii,
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ABOUT GUNCHA
“Innovative Philosophy in Travel, a place is just a place until we look a little closer.”
Hotel Guncha is an intimate hotel located in Dalhousie, Himachal Pradesh, India situated on a private hilltop facing panoramic views of the Pir Panjal Dhauladar Mountain ranges. Dalhousie is a petite town in the state of Himachal Pradesh, the Himalaya’s of India. Known for its beautiful scenic view, plush pine trees and diverse cultural settlement. The town is dotted with Indian spiritual architecture as well as architecture of the colonial era. Dalhousie is a popular retreat for national as well as international traveler looking to spend time in the Himalaya.
Guncha is known for its Iconic location, centrally positioned yet it offers the right amount of space to provide a perfect stay with exceptionally large roof top terraces.
The Himalaya is traditionally known for their dense geography as well as for their close connection to spiritual philosophy. Guncha, the residence has a 20+ year relationship to its unique luxury. To share this jewel in the crown, the residence presents a series of compositions that portray the Himalayas of India as a central retreat for luxury and well being. A place that pulsates beauty and high energy.
Guncha’s philosophy is anchored in luxury through the eyes of nature. Well being and invigoration form an integral part of travel and destination stays. Moving away from the known cliche’s Guncha’s series explore the Himalaya’s as a central hub of promoting relaxation and rejuvenation. Not known to many, the Himalaya’s have promoted and inspired deeply authentic works in the arts and creative scape, its atmosphere houses a sort of purifying and clarifying effect. For example the great Indian Writer Rabindranath Tagore was a Dalhousie resident, stating its influence on his life works. Classically the Indian Himalaya are associated with intriguing spheres of spirituality and for its geographical dominance symbolising the elements of protection, sustenance, change and atmospheric shifts. The Himalaya is also a complete retreat and ever more relevant in modern life. An elixir.
“Setting the scene”
Embracing the hospitality of open air rooftops and terraces that face luxuriously panoramic views surrounding Dalhousie is a great way to experience a natural upliftment. Guncha's residence offers spectacular view of the Himalayan valley. Panoramic views are unobstructed and open, which enables a sense of closeness to nature. The address has an exclusive location directly facing the mighty Himalaya, guests can enjoy a sunrise and sunset all in one view of the Dhauladhar Pir Panjal Mountain ranges. We have been welcoming guests for over two decades.
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