The Barn is a renovated cow shed composed of two spacious modern bedrooms with a kitchen and dining amidst apple, peach, plum and apricot orchard. This unit comes under Gahana Orchards is the ancestral home of the Mehra family. It was built by ADC (Aide-de-Camp) Bacchi Singh Mehra, who was the right hand man to the Maharaja Jind of Patiala before the independence of India and until 1966. Oak Chalet is now run by Bacchi Singh ji’s grandson, Manoj Mehra. Oak Chalet is a fine example of the blend of tr aditional and modern craft. It was built b y local artisans in the fast disappearing arts of traditional Kumaoni stone masonry and carpentry. Oak Chalet is situated near the temple town of Mukteshwar, at an altitude of 2286m (7500 ft). This area was made famous by its jungle wildlife as described in Jim Corbett’s account of his 1910 shikar (hunt) for the “The Muktesar Man-eater”, now long gone.
Oak Chalet's four double bedrooms are spacious and comfortable, each with its own private entrance and clean bathroom. Each bedroom has vast bay windows which overlook the Gahana Valley and its terraced fields and orchards. In the local language, “Gahana ” means “ Jewel”. From the comfort of your own room, you can experience sunrise and the clear night sky over the ridges and ravines. Recline on the large window sills to enjoy the uninterrupted panorama.
Oak Chalet has a large dining and sitting room where you can take your meals and share your experiences with fellow travelers. You may, however, prefer Oak Chalet’s out door barbecue and camp fire. Oak Chalet’s library has reading material ranging from local and natural history to Indian literature and philosophy. A range of indoor and outdoor games are available for all the family.