Sea to Mountain Escape
India
Day 1 Arrival into Goa
Arrive into Goa and transfer to your home stay in
Day 1 Arrival into Amritsar
Arrive into Amritsar in the morning and a private car will be waiting to take you to the mountians. Leave the plains of Punjab and journey into the mountains. Arrival at the starting point of Orchard Hut around 3 PM. A 30 minute gradual up hill country walk to Orchard Hut Home Stay through terrace fields and fruit orchards. Reach Himalayan Orchard Hut with a traditional welcome by the Dhami Family. Overnight at Himalaya Orchard Hut.
The scattered village of Kut-Chadiara in the Panj-La Valley lies perched mid-way up a steep terraced slope at 1325m above sea level. Surrounded by fruit trees, vegetable fields and forest, Orchard Hut offers a bird’s eye view of the mighty River Saal in the valley below and is 6 km from Chamba town.
Himalayan Orchard Hut is the home of an environmentalist extended family who offer food and accommodation to those wishing to experience true village life. The house is made of clay and wood in traditional fashion and offers neat, clean and basic rooms with verandas overlooking the hills and valley. There are either single or double rooms or alternatively tents on the hill terraces. Full western bathrooms with hot and gold water are attached to every room. The delicious food provided includes rare traditional dishes famous from the time of the King’s rule in Chamba District. The food is mainly Indian with options for catering to western tastes as well. Pure drinking water comes directly from our springs. We offer a tranquil setting in which to relax and rejuvenate yourself after the stresses, strains and pollution of urban life. You will treasure your memories of your time here forever.
Day 4 Explore or Enjoy Home Activities
Today there are many optional activities that you can do. Take a trip into Chamba Town to see the temples and life in a valley of Chamba, take a short hike to see some of the remote villages in the mountains or you may want to take a cooking demonstration with Mrs. Dhami. Have a massage or get your palm read or decorated with Hanna by the eldest Daughter in the family known as Didi (Meaning sister). Or you can just relax and enjoy the family. All above activities are not included and can be paid locally depending on what you would like to do. Prices will be advised upon arrival to our home. Overnight at Himalaya Orchard Hut.
Day 5 Trek to Ridgemoor Cottage
After breakfast start the trek to Ridgemoor Cottage near the village of Rulpuli (2,300m) which takes 4-5 hours through dense forest of Devdar trees, terraced fields and tribal shepherd villages. Arriving around tea time, you’ll enjoy dinner and a camp fire.
Overnight in a simple room at Ridgemoor cottage.
This trekking hut near the tiny village of Rulpuli is at about 2250 meters and has a spectacular 360 degree view of the Dhauladar ranges and snow capped mountains of the Pir-Panjal Himalayan range. The house, built in traditional form, is at the peak of a mountain on a pasture surrounded by spruce, cedar and rhododendron trees. The cottage is 9 to 10 km from Orchard Hut and a 3 to 4 hour trek.
Day 7 Return to Orchard Hut Homestay
Today we will come back to Himalayan Orchard Hut Via Baat (different route) or via Chotti Jamwhar. Reach Orchard Hut in time for a hot lunch and a well deserved plung in the fresh spring water pool. Tonight start gaze and enjoy the peaceful surroundings of our home.
Overnight at Orchard Hut.
Day 8 Transfer to Amritsar Airport
After breakfast descend down to the road head for your drive back to Amritsar airport (6 hr drive approximate) for your flight.
NOTE: Itinerary can be modified to your needs and preference and is subject to weather.
Itinerary can be modified to add or subtract days or pick up and drop at any other city in India. Please enquire.
Inclusions
15 Nights Accommodation in 3/4 star hotels based on twin share
3 Domestic airfare - Delhi/Varanasi - Varanasi/Khajuraho - Udaipur/Delhi
Train from Orchha to Agra seat
Breakfast from Day 2 to Day 16 / Lunch from Day 2 to 15 / Dinner 2 & 15
Private air-conditioned vehicle as per itinerary
Arrival and departure airport transfers in Delhi
English speaking city guides
Entrance fees as per itinerary
Sightseeing as per itinerary
English speaking Walkabout Journeys leader
Water while sightseeing
Excluded
International flights & Domestic not included
Drinks of all kinds (Except water while sightseeing
Optional activities not listed as included
Medical/evacuation/cancellation insurance strongly suggested
Personal expenses such as laundry, bar bills, room service, etc
Additional expenses in the event of delays or itinerary changes
Gratuities to tour leader (approximately $14 per passenger per day)
Gratuities of any kind (Porterage/hotel and restaurant staff/drivers/etc
Visas https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/