Winter Wonderland Escape
India
Day 1 Arrival into Amritsar
Arrive into Amritsar and a driver will be waiting at the Amritsar airport to take you to Orchard Hut Home Stay. Leave the plains of Punjab and journey into the mountains. Drive approx. 6 hours to the start of the trail to Orchard Hut Home stay. A 30 minute country walk to Orchard Hut Home stay through terrace fields and fruit orchards. Reach Himalayan Orchard Hut with a traditional welcome and a hot cup of Chai.
Overnight at Himalaya Orchard Hut. Meals Included: Dinner
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 cold 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.
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 a 30 minute walk up hill from the road.
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 2 Journey to Ridgemoor Cottage
After breakfast drive 2 hrs to the start of the WinTrek to Ridgemoor Cottage Mountain Retreat which is near the village of Rulpuli (2,300m). A hot cup of chai will be waiting for you upon arrival. Get warmed up by the fire as dinner is prepared and watch the colours change as the sun sets over the mountains.
Overnight in a room at Ridgemoor Cottage Mountain Retreat. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This trekking hut is 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 if one wants to trek.
Day 3 Day WinTrek to Bari Jamwhar (weather permitting)
After a hot breakfast get on your winter gear to start the trek to Bari Jamwhar (Ht.2900m). This is a snow paradise with a big beautiful meadow from where one can see another 360 degree view of the Himalayas. If the weather is nice we will have a hot picnic lunch in a natural winter wonderland. After lunch start the walk back making new tracks through a different route. Marvel as you walk through the dense forest of Devdar trees that are snow covered and find peace in the quietness that only a snow fall can make. Enjoy dinner by the warmth of the camp fire before your cozy night sleep at Ridgemoor Cottage Mountain Retreat.
Overnight in a room at Ridgemoor Cottage Mountain Retreat. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 Return to Orchard Hut Homestay
Today we will come back to Himalayan Orchard Hut. Reach Orchard Hut in time for a hot lunch and a hot drink. Overnight at Orchard Hut. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 Transfer to Amritsar Airport
After a 7 AM breakfast descend down to the road head for your drive to Amritsar airport.
Meals Included: Breakfast
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
2 Nights 3 star hotel, 2 night basic trekking hut, 3 Home Stay
Breakfast 7 / Lunches Days 4, 5, 6, 7 / Dinner Days 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
Private air-conditioned vehicle on Days 1, 2, 3, 8
Airport arrival and departure transfers in Amritsar
English Speaking guide in Amritsar
Trekking guide from Day 5 to Day 7
Golden Temple visit evening and morning with guide
Jallianwalla Bagh with guide
Wagah Border Ceremony guide will take you to entry but not able to enter with foreigners
Water while sightseeing, spring water while trekking with purification tablets
Excluded
International & Domestic flights please ask for domestic flight cost in required
Drinks of all kinds (except for water stated in inclusions)
Medical/evacuation/cancellation insurance strongly suggested
Personal expenses such as laundry, bar bills, room service, etc
Optional activities at Orchard Hut Home Stay
Additional expenses in the event of delays or itinerary changes
Gratuities of any kind (Guides/Porterage/Hotel and Restaurant Staff/Drivers/etc)
Visas to enter India https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html