As the world marks World Environment Day, it’s not just big pledges or global summits that deserve attention—it’s also the quiet, grassroots movements reshaping the way we live and travel. One such initiative is EarthVyavastha, a slow travel and eco-stay experience nestled in the serene heights of Chehni Kothi, near the popular yet peaceful Jibhi Valley in Himachal Pradesh.
Founded by Saurabh and Aman, EarthVyavastha isn’t just a place to stay—it’s a space to reconnect with nature, community, and most importantly, with oneself.
A Staycation That Breathes with the Mountains 
In a world craving meaningful travel after the pandemic, EarthVyavastha offers an antidote to the fast, noisy tourism model. Here, there’s no Wi-Fi. Instead, guests find spring water served in copper vessels, a rejection of single-use plastic, and a rhythm of life rooted in the land.
Built using traditional Kathkuni architecture, the property is made from stone, deodar wood, and mud—materials native to the region and friendly to the Earth. There’s no cement or synthetic paint, and every design element is in harmony with the mountain climate.
From farm-to-table meals with seasonal, local produce to rainwater harvesting, every detail reflects deep ecological mindfulness.
More Than a Getaway: A Movement in Motion
“What we’re creating is more than a destination,” says Saurabh Singh, founder and a graduate of Tata Institute of Social Sciences. “It’s a return to a way of life that honors nature and community.”
With over 15 years of combined grassroots experience, the EarthVyavastha team is building more than just hospitality—they’re reviving lost traditions, indigenous knowledge, and rural livelihoods. Through their seed bank initiative, they’re nurturing native Himalayan herbs, heirloom vegetables, and climate-resilient grains—restoring biodiversity and food sovereignty in the process.
How EarthVyavastha Gives Back to Nature—and People
For Nature:
- No single-use plastics on site
- Composting kitchen and organic waste
- Upcycled wood and biodegradable construction
- Nature-based design that blends into the landscape
For Community:
- Employment and income support to over seven local families
- Skill-sharing with local youth and artisans
- Language preservation through storytelling and sign painting
- Guest participation in daily village life—from cooking to farming
Experiences Rooted in Purpose
Visitors don’t just stay—they immerse. EarthVyavastha invites guests to engage in a number of unique activities:
- Vyavastha Lab: A work-exchange program where visitors contribute to natural building, farming, or teaching village children.
- Forest Walks: Led by local elders, these walks explore wild herbs, ecology, and ancient folklore.
- Workshops: Topics range from composting, traditional carpentry, slow food cooking, journaling, indigenous knowledge, and seed saving.
- Village Immersions: Live and work alongside local families, experiencing life beyond tourism.
Why Travelers Are Choosing EarthVyavastha
The post-pandemic traveler is searching for stillness, meaning, and authenticity. EarthVyavastha provides a restorative pause—a place where the air is pure, the silence is healing, and the experience leaves you changed.
A guest from Pune, originally planning a weekend escape, stayed for two weeks, painting and planting crops. Another visitor from Delhi was so inspired that she returned home to start a homestay based on EarthVyavastha’s model.
“Our world needs more than green technologies—it needs care, community, and consciousness,” reflects the EarthVyavastha team. “This is our humble attempt to rebuild the balance between people and planet.”Says Founders Saurabh Singh who brings years of field experience working with indigenous communities across India. His vision is deeply rooted in ecological and social justice. And Aman, co-founder and internationally featured photographer, adds creativity and an eye for beauty. A trained paragliding pilot, his work has been displayed in Times Square, New York. His lens now captures the untold stories of the Himalayas and its people.
As travelers, our choices shape the future. This World Environment Day, places like EarthVyavastha remind us that sustainable tourism isn’t just possible—it’s powerful, personal, and profoundly needed.
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