Walking through the Apple Orchards and then to the remote villages in trout valley is a real introduction to the hill life. In this Itinerary you will be visiting som eof the remote villages, walking through the prestine forest & will see how people live in these areas away from the world. Apart from visiting Shimla & Kotgarh, further ahead, Trout Valley enchants with its crystal-clear rivers and trout fishing experience amidst lush surroundings. Concluding in Chandigarh, the city’s modern architecture and landscaped gardens provide a perfect finale to this refreshing mountain-to-urban escape.
| Best Time To Visit: | March to November |
| Rates are Quoted: | Per Couple Basis |
| Program Designed for: | Couples |
| Duration: | 10 Days / 9 Nights |
| Experiences: | History, Forest, Hill Architecture, Traditional Lifestyle |
| Minimum Number of Pax: | 1 Couple |
| Maximum Number of Pax: | 3 Couples |
| Accommodation: | Homestays |
| Transport: | 1 Toyota Crysta Car/ Couple |
| Meals: | Full Board |
| Guide: | Fully Escorted by a Local English-Speaking Guide |
| Pick up: | Chandigarh Airport |
| Drop at: | Chandigarh Airport |
Day 01: Arrive in Chandigarh and Drive to ShimlaArrive on the train (Shatabadi Express) or the flight and we will drive you to Shimla. This charming journey to the hills takes around four hours to bring you to this former Summer Capital of British India. Lunch/Dinner Distance : 120km Time of Travel : 4 hour |
|
Day 02: Shimla Heritage WalkLearn the history and geography of this hill station, which was established originally as a retreat, then a sanatorium, and then the Summer Capital. Your guide is a well-educated local resident who knows the town by heart. His curiosity to share the stories of this place makes your visit more interesting. B'fast, Lunch & Dinner Walk : 5km Exp: Simla- Past & Present |
|
Day 03: Shimla – KotkhaiDrive to Kotkhai for 2 hours and we take you to an amazing village where a local girl and her British husband have opened their house for visitors. Built in the middle of their apple orchard, this ancestral house of Devanshi and Micheal offers beautifully made comfortable rooms with attached facilities. In addition to the main house, there are a few mud homes also which keep you intact with their old charm. Go around with Micheal or just relax in the garden. Meals are prepared from the product of their farm around. B'fast, Lunch & Dinner Drive: 47km-(2 hrs) Exp: Wilderness |
|
Day 04: Kotkhai - KotgarhKotgarh is the place where apple fruit was introduced in these hills. Samual Stoke or later he became Satyanand Stoke, brought saplings from his mother’s orchards in California and planted them here. Today Kotgarh is one of the richest villages in Asia, only due to apples and other stone fruits. Here we are going to stay with Kartik and Anuradha who have made their house in the hills. The couple started making jams from the fruit grown around, which made them famous in the area. Later they built a house and started hosting people. In the afternoon visit some of the orchards, and a church and meet locals. B'fast, Lunch & Dinner On the trail : 7km Exp: Rural Life |
|
Day 05: KotgarhLet us walk through the hills of Kotgarh and enjoy the views of the orchards, Himalayan ranges, and the remote hamlets. This forest trail leads you through some of the breathtaking views of the hills and the habitats of wildlife. We shall end it near lake Tanni Jubbar. This walk it totally subject to the weather, rain and snow. B'fast, Lunch & Dinner On the trail : 7km Exp: Rural Life |
|
Day 06: Kotgarh – Tirthan ValleyTrout fish was made famous in Indian by the British and Tirthan is the valley where it was introduced in India. Also, the entry gate of the Great Himalayan National Park, Tirthan displays the actual culture of the hills through its remote villages, traditional lifestyle and its flora & fauna. Drive over Jalori pass and then descend towards the valley. You will be amazed to see the forest and its views. B'fast, Lunch & Dinner Drive: 105 km Exp: Temples & Jalori Pass |
|
Day 07: Tirthan ValleyA short drive through the busy bazaar of Banjar brings us to the base of a village. We start ascending towards the fort Chaini or better known as Chaini Kothi. This hike brings amazing views of the area, GHNP and the hill slopes. B'fast, Lunch & Dinner On the trail : 5km Exp: Remote Village |
|
Day 08: TirthanA peaceful walk through a cedar forest rejuvenates you, helping to reduce stress and clear your mind after a busy workday. Today’s experience is getting close to nature and seeing how people survive in these remote locations. There are villages built in traditional style and meet the inhabitants living and maintaining their traditions. Luch shall be served in a local house in the village. B'fast, Lunch & Dinner On the trail : 6km Exp: Forest Trail & Rural Life |
|
Day 09: Tirthan - ChandigarhThe drive to Chandigarh is long but fruitful. This new modern city of free India was established after the Independence. The effects of the designs of the Swiss-French architect Le Corbusier can be seen everywhere in Chandigarh. We are going to stay with Dan Dhanoa, a villain from Bollywood. After leaving Bollywood in the late nineties, Dan became a sailor and had ample chances to travel across the world. Wherever he went he collected artifacts and placed them in his house which he has named Anchorage42. Interaction with Dan is subject to his availability in Chandigarh. Later a tour of the city is scheduled. B'fast, Lunch & Dinner Drive : 220km Exp: Road Trip |
|
Day 10: Chandigarh Departure.An architectural tour of Chandigarh is scheduled in the first half of the day. In the afternoon, we drive you to Airport/ Railway Station to catch flight/train for your onwards journey. B'fast & Lunch
Exp: Toy Train Ride |
