Back To Nature: Amritsar And Rural India

DAY 1 – Arrival into Amritsar

Arrive into Amritsar anytime before 5 PM and a transfer will be waiting for you to take you from the airport to your hotel. In the evening witness the night ceremony in the Golden Temple with an English speaking guide.

Overnight in Amritsar. 

Meals Included:  None

DAY 2 – Amritsar

Today is dedicated to a full sightseeing program of Amritsar. The Golden Temple, a glittering gold and marble temple, is one of the holiest Sikh shrines. The temple interiors are elaborately designed with fine inlay and semi-precious stones. During Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s reign, the lower half of the temple was decorated with marble while the entire upper half was inlaid with copper covered over by gold plate. Hence its new name, the Golden Temple. We will also visit Jallianwalla Bagh, the memorial site of the massacre that took more then 379 lives on the Punjabi New Year, April 13, 1919. Read the stories of the survivors and learn why the British took so many innocent lives that day. In the evening, we visit the border point at Wagah to witness the closing ceremony between the two countries, India and Pakistan. The ceremony is very popular with Indian tourists and draws large crowds. 

Overnight in Amritsar.

Meals Included:  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 3 – Amritsar to Orchard Hut Homestay

Early morning departure will leave the plains of Punjab and journey into the mountains. Arrival at the starting point of Orchard Hut called (Chaminu) around 3 PM. A 30 minute country walk to Orchard Hut Homestay through terrace fields and fruit orchards. Reach Himalayan Orchard Hut with a traditional welcome by the Dhami Family. 

Overnight at Himalaya Orchard Hut.

Meals Included:  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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 climb from the bus stop at Chiminu Village, 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.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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.

Meals Included:  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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 6 – Day Hike Bari Jamwhar

After breakfast start the trek to Bari Jamwhar (Ht.3000m) which is a beautiful meadow from where one can see another 360 degree view of the Himalayas. Picnic lunch will be served and after lunch descend back by changing the route through dense forest of Devdar trees. Enjoy dinner by the camp fire before your night sleep at Ridgemoor cottage. 

Overnight in a simple room at Ridgemoor cottage. 

Meals Included:  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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.

Meals Included:  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 8 – Transfer to Amritsar Airport

After breakfast descend down to the road head for your drive back to Amritsar airport for your flight . 

Meals Included:  Breakfast

 

NOTE: Itinerary can be modified to your needs and preference and is subject to weather.

 

Inclusions:

• 3 nights in home stay,  2 nights Ridgemoor Cottage, 2 night in hotel
• 7 Breakfast, 6 Lunches, 6 Dinners
• Private Transportation as per itinerary SUV type vehicles
• Arrival/Departure airport transfer Amritsar
• English speaking Trekking Guide/Porter/Cook
• Amritsar English speaking guide
• Boiled Filtered water by purifying tablets
• Sight seeing as per itinerary (With English Speaking Guide)

 

Exclusions:

• International/Domestic flights
• Drinks
• Optional activities at Orchard Huts not listed as included
• Mandatory medical/evacuation/cancellation insurance
• Personal expenses such as laundry, bar bills, room service, etc
• Additional expenses in the event of delays or itinerary changes
• Gratuities of any kind
• Visas (if required). e-Tourist Visa Indian visa https://www.e-touristvisaindia.com/