Bhilangana Valley Apple Orchards and Cold Climate Horticulture

The Bhilangana valley and surrounding areas of Tehri Garhwal district between 1500 and 2500 metres altitude support significant apple orcharding. The valley's orientation and topography create temperature inversions that protect orchards from late frost damage critical for apple development. Traditional varieties with strong flavour profiles are grown alongside modern commercial varieties. Farmers have developed microclimate-specific knowledge of planting positions, slope aspects, and altitude thresholds that determine variety selection. Processing infrastructure for apple juice, cider production, and dried apple products helps manage surplus harvests and extend value realisation. The Tehri area receives less tourist attention than Nainital but produces apple of equal quality.