Folktales Residency
~Embrace Serenity...
Our Story
In the crisp air of 2021, among the apple orchards of Rakchham village, Folktales Residency emerged with a visionary purpose. It was not merely a wooden abode but a living storybook, created to foster a deep connection between travelers and the rich culture of the Himalayas. Founded with a commitment to responsible travel, the creators of Folktales believed in a different kind of journey—one that transcends the mere ticking off of destinations. They envisioned a slow-paced travel lifestyle that invites guests to immerse themselves in the rhythms of local life, to be a part of the community rather than just passing through.
The ethos of Folktales Residency echoed in its communal spaces, where conversations flowed freely, akin to the nearby Baspa River. It wasn’t merely about providing a place to rest; it was about fostering connections, creating a space where the essence of the Himalayas could be felt in every moment. The art studio, bathed in natural light, exemplified this ethos, inviting artists to find inspiration in the mountains and contribute their narratives to the unfolding story. As the years unfolded, Folktales Residency became a haven for those seeking more from their travels—an oasis of a slow-paced lifestyle that embraced intentionality, cultural immersion, and a reduced impact on the environment. In a world that rushes forward, Folktales Residency stands as a testament to the beauty of a journey embraced with purpose, one story at a time.
Outdoor Pursuits

Hiking
Explore the Great Outdoors

Angling
Catch the Big One

Bouldering
Climb to New Heights

Astrophotography
Capture the Night Sky
Metamorphic Journeys

Himalayan Expedition
Embark on an unforgettable journey with our Himalayan expeditions. Our tours are designed to give you the best experience while exploring the stunning landscapes of the Himalayas.
Testimonials
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Stay is fine but hosts are very slow in responding to queries. Apart from this location tagged on Airbnb is not right so make sure to call before and get... read more live location. The guy in the kitchen was extremely rude.
Ajay
May 15, 2023the place was nice and serene. food was extremely good. home cooked tasty food. the weather was a bit cloudy tht day and hence
It was too cold... read more which was as expected. we actually went ahead for the spiti trip from Rakcham and stayed in tabo and Kaza. there the homestays had electric blankets which was a life saver. Rakcham was also extremely extremely cold. so just a thought. electric blankets could be helpful. but I must mention this homestay had electric pads which were also helpful to some extent. the look and interior of the homestay was also very nice. the location GPS in the airbnb link was not proper. I connected Ishan and he shared me the actual one. so had a bit of a trouble in locating the place. all in all a good experience.Satarupa
April 6, 2023It was our first trip high up in Himachal and Ishaan's place just hit the right spot. We've always expected honestays to be different from hotels and to provide an... read more authentic experience. This is a traditional property in am orchard just before Rakchham village proper. Natural beauty all around - greenery and birds (so many species). Fixed meal but this is Superb Himachali cuisine (we'd come back just for the food). Also can opt for a laid bacl experience with friends and family - good books in the library, art rooms, jenga and chess.
Deepesh
June 3, 2023 -
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Folktales would also means Fairy Tale / Dreamy affair.
The name is so apt for the stay, you really feel you are living a dream.
A very local... read more and rustic, yet super duper comfortable stay at the Folktales Residency.
Ishan ( owner) was one of the best hosts one could ask for. very cooperative, humble, responsive, and any more positive adjectives to his personality would be less to describe him.
You feel at home, with homely vibes, home cooked DELICIOUS food, and hospitality.
The staff ( Kishore, Manoj and Ravi ), always served us with a smile, no matter what the weather (rough, raining, snowy, negative temperature) and time was.
Cannot stop writing enough about the experience we had.
Humble suggestion to future travellers:
1. Just book this stay, and let this place grow over you.
2. Plenty of play activities, library, hobby corners are there, so don't bother about passing your time in this rustic yet humble villageNikunj
April 30, 2024We had a lovely time at Folktales, a beautiful homestay. Rakchham is worth spending a few days at least, and not just on the way to Spiti/Chitkul. Ishan is a... read more great host, good human being and very helpful. His staff are hardworking; quality of food is simple vegetarian but good, non veg usually needs to be ordered in advance. The room has the required amenities though the bathroom had some leakage issue which I am sure is being fixed. The rooms can be cold though. However the sunny porch and the warm common room/library are lovely. Overall we had a peaceful and relaxing experience. Thanks, Ishan.
Writaja
June 14, 2023 -
Ishan is a great host. He has very nicely furnished a traditional Kinnaur house, located in a valley and surrounded by apple orchards. He welcomed us warmly and personally guided... read more us to our rooms. He also has a common room to sit, eat and chat with other guests and the host. He guided us on the possible tours and treks around. His kitchen could produce some very fine Himachali dishes for dinner and choice of dishes for breakfast. And to top it, there were no extra charges. Overall, great experience and would 100% recommend.
Rajwant
July 15, 2024Ishan is a super lovely guy and an awesome host. Folktales emanates a traditional Himalayan vibe with rustic decor in a picturesque area surrounded by the mighty snow mountains.
... read more /> The staff is really polite and the food quality is very good, though it’s a little bit expensive.
I highly recommend this place if you are looking for a scenic stay amidst the beautiful mountains with warm-hearted host in a traditional ornate wooden houseRajat
November 13, 2022Every thing was just too good, but as a guest we can expect some more attention in terms of food. There was no one to ask about what we want... read more to have.
Indrajit
November 12, 2023