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/
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.