Day 01: Arrive in Chandigarh and Drive to Arki

Arrive on the train (Shatabadi Express) or the flight and we will drive you to Arki Haveli/Palace. Arki is one of the oldest princely estates in the hills. The descendants of the Royal family still live here and will continue. This charming journey to the hills takes around four hours to bring you to this age-old palace. Your royal hosts welcome you in a traditional style. Check into your room and relax a bit. Later we shall have a jaunt to the temple of Lutru Mahadev.

Day 02: Shimla Heritage Walk

After breakfast, an hour’s drive brings us to the former summer capital of British India – Shimla. Learn 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 native of the town who knows the town by heart. His curiosity to share the stories of this place makes your visit more interesting. Later in the evening check into your homestay.

Day 03: A Forest Walk. Evening dinner with a local artist.

The forest around Shimla is still one of the thickest in Asia. Let us take you to some of the forested trails and introduce you to nature and its tranquillity.  Today you are going to see some of the best views of the Himalayan ranges, subject to weather – of course, and will feel the closeness to silence. Three hours on the trail and some time to reach the starting point is going to make your day delightful. 
In the evening, we have organized dinner for you with a local artist.

B'fast, Lunch & Dinner

On the trail : 5km

Exp: Woodland Stroll, Artful Dinner

Day 04: Kotkhai

Drive 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

Distance: 58 km (2 hour)

Exp: Rural Himalayan Charm

Day 05: Kotgarh

Kotgarh 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.

Day 06: Kotgarh

Let 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.

Day 07: Kotgarh – Tirthan Valley.

Trout 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.

Day 08: Tirthan Valley

A 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.

Day 09: Tirthan Valley

A 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 a village.

Day 10: Tirthan – Palampur

The drive to Palampur is slightly long, but the fun is staying at an age-old tea estate. Darang Tea Estate is one of the tea estates in Palampur that were planted during the British era, but not by the Brits. Darang Tea Estate produces a variety of teas, including orthodox, green, and black teas, which are known for their distinctive flavor profile, often described as a mild yet aromatic taste with floral undertones. Darang Tea Estate adds to the appeal by offering visitors a chance to explore the tea gardens, learn about the tea-making process, and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of the region.

The tea estate also focuses on sustainable farming practices, ensuring the long-term health of the land while producing high-quality tea. Visitors can often enjoy a cup of freshly brewed tea while taking in the panoramic views of the tea gardens and the Dhauladhar mountain range in the distance.

Day 11: Palampur

Today we shall explore not only the tea estates and factories but also visit an art gallery in the village of Andreta. Sardar Sobha Singh was famous for his vibrant, realistic portraits of religious and cultural figures, particularly of Sikh Gurus, and his artistic style is often associated with the portrayal of traditional themes. He also painted several iconic works that depicted Indian history, spirituality, and rural life, reflecting a deep reverence for his roots and religious beliefs.

Day 12: Palampur – Dharamshala

Instead of going to the crowded market of Macleodganj, we take you to a remotely located house where the comfortable rooms offer an excellent view of Kangra valley. On the way we shall have a stop at Narbulingka Institute which is a prominent cultural and educational institution located in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, India. It is dedicated to preserving and promoting Tibetan culture, arts, and traditions, particularly focusing on the study and practice of Tibetan Buddhist philosophy, arts, and crafts. The institute is named after the Norbulingka Palace, the traditional summer residence of the Dalai Lama in Lhasa, Tibet, symbolizing its commitment to Tibetan heritage.

Day 13: Dharamshala

Walk through a forest and visit some of the prominent houses also in the area. The forest walk is fun as you learn about the local flora and fauna. After spending around three hours on the trail you return and visit the Dalai Lama Monastery. It serves as the official residence of the 14th Dalai Lama and is a major center for Tibetan Buddhism in India, drawing numerous visitors from around the world who seek to learn more about Tibetan spirituality, culture, and the teachings of the Dalai Lama.

Day 14: Dharamshala – Pragpur

Ajanta of the Himalaya, Masroor is on the way and not to be missed. See the difference in the rocks between the higher regions and this place. This group of nearly fifteen shrines was cut out of a single rock. The architecture is heavily influenced by the Nagara Style, which is prevalent in the temples of North India.

Continue to Pragpur which is known for its Indo-Islamic style of mansions built by the people of Sood Community. Most of them area abandoned as the owners moved out to the other areas in search of survival. Walk through the narrow streets of this heritage village with your guide and learn more about the place.

Day 15: Delhi – Departure.

Morning drive to the airport to catch flight to your onwards journey.