Writer’s Retreats
Guest reviews:
“Why a writer’s retreat at Himalayan Orchard is a great idea:
“Just the peace and quiet I needed.”
(Josefine, Germany)
“This is one of the most beautiful places on Earth and I will be counting down the days until I can return.”
(Lauren, Canada)
“Our hosts, their warmth and hospitality, getting to stay in their beautiful home, eating the lovely gourmet food prepared by Devanshe, going into the mountains, walking up and down trails with Michael as our guide-companion, listening to his engaging tales, basking in the warmth of the morning sun and the sunshine auras of our hosts … our souls needed this.”
(Vijay, India)
“Thank you so much for the wonderful chats, laughs, food, hikes, and memories made. We have been recharged and have found this place to be so peaceful and beautiful.”
(Caitlyn, USA)
“I felt completely at home here and would love to come back many more times.”
(Rukmani, India)
“This has been a haven of peace and tranquillity set amidst incredible scenery.”
(Jenny, UK)
“Beautiful place, wonderful company and food, plus poetry and chat and very long walks.”
(Patrick, France/UK)
“Your care and warmth has been very touching and the evening get-togethers around the fire very exhilarating and cosy.”
(Darshan, India)
“Truly heartening to witness Devanshe and Mike live life in its magnificence and share it ever so generously with their friends and travellers.”
(Suparna, India)
“The much needed break and detox from all the external world and noise. The vibe of the house was so energizing, nourishing and fun!”
(Varun, India)
“Loved the poetry night and all the conversations.”
(Nikita, India)
“We have enjoyed hospitable evenings with music, conversations, games and poetry. A rich cultural retreat.”
(Mary, UK)
“A magnificent place from which to walk and explore the palaces and temples in the area.”
(Philip, UK)
“The peace and quiet, the wonderful and inspiring conversations, the views… it has all been restorative and energising.”
(Petra, Australia)
“My heart is full. Full of smiles, peace, beauty and happiness. The days have passed too quickly and these restless feet of mine that are usually eager to explore new places don’t want to leave this little apple orchard in the sky. Thank you for so generously and openly allowing me to participate in your lives.”
(Georgia, Australia)
“I am truly humbled by the graciousness, incredible kindness, and hospitality of our hosts, her parents, and everyone at Himalayan Orchard. This is an amazing healing and natural place, which provided a great place for a retreat. We all formed beautiful connections and I will certainly look forward to returning.”
(Tanim, India)
“I felt like home – enjoyable, playful, powerful experience.”
(Svet, Russia/UK)
“I came for a week, changed my flight, and stayed for two, and so glad I did. A little piece of heaven in the Himalayas with great company, fantastic food, wonderful walking, and every comfort one could wish for. Your warm welcome and consideration made me feel I was staying with friends.”
(Natalie, UK)
“An undiscovered gem in Himachal Pradesh.”
(Pritha, India)
“One of the most memorable stays in recent years. Perfect location, climate, surroundings… Since the place is off the tourist map, we literally owned the hills.”
(Anurag, India)
“I enjoyed every single moment and am leaving inspired.”
(Beate, Germany)
Rates
Full board and lodging, including taxes:
Transport to the farm can be arranged from Delhi, Chandigarh and Shimla.
Please inform us of any specially dietary or other requirements when booking.
- The moody monsoon month of August is dedicated to writer’s retreats every year – no other guests are accepted. The focus is entirely on writers and writing (and the apple harvest going on in the background).
- No fixed dates - stay as long as you like (minimum stay of three nights).
- Guests have their own desk, and use of the library, sitting rooms, the billiards room, the garden and terrace, the family temple, the yoga studio, and all common areas.
- No fixed schedule, but we suggest open group discussions every evening before dinner at eight, then after dinner till ten. The fire will be lit if needed.
- Inspiring guided hikes through the orchards and forest are available daily. As it is the monsoon, please be prepared for wet weather.
- Guests are welcome to join in farm activities and cooking should they like some non-cerebral activity to break things up.
- Michael and Devanshe are facilitators rather than instructors. Having taught English for a combined total of more than 50 years, they can at least ask relevant questions.
Guest reviews:
“Why a writer’s retreat at Himalayan Orchard is a great idea:
- You can find silence, nature and peace at the farmstay and its surroundings.
- You can trek along marked trails in the forests to clear your mind and gather ideas.
- There is a lot of inspiration in the local community and its traditions.
- You’ll be nourished by home-cooked food.
- You can relax and read in the library.
- After a day of writing you can unwind in the Yoga Shala.”
“Just the peace and quiet I needed.”
(Josefine, Germany)
“This is one of the most beautiful places on Earth and I will be counting down the days until I can return.”
(Lauren, Canada)
“Our hosts, their warmth and hospitality, getting to stay in their beautiful home, eating the lovely gourmet food prepared by Devanshe, going into the mountains, walking up and down trails with Michael as our guide-companion, listening to his engaging tales, basking in the warmth of the morning sun and the sunshine auras of our hosts … our souls needed this.”
(Vijay, India)
“Thank you so much for the wonderful chats, laughs, food, hikes, and memories made. We have been recharged and have found this place to be so peaceful and beautiful.”
(Caitlyn, USA)
“I felt completely at home here and would love to come back many more times.”
(Rukmani, India)
“This has been a haven of peace and tranquillity set amidst incredible scenery.”
(Jenny, UK)
“Beautiful place, wonderful company and food, plus poetry and chat and very long walks.”
(Patrick, France/UK)
“Your care and warmth has been very touching and the evening get-togethers around the fire very exhilarating and cosy.”
(Darshan, India)
“Truly heartening to witness Devanshe and Mike live life in its magnificence and share it ever so generously with their friends and travellers.”
(Suparna, India)
“The much needed break and detox from all the external world and noise. The vibe of the house was so energizing, nourishing and fun!”
(Varun, India)
“Loved the poetry night and all the conversations.”
(Nikita, India)
“We have enjoyed hospitable evenings with music, conversations, games and poetry. A rich cultural retreat.”
(Mary, UK)
“A magnificent place from which to walk and explore the palaces and temples in the area.”
(Philip, UK)
“The peace and quiet, the wonderful and inspiring conversations, the views… it has all been restorative and energising.”
(Petra, Australia)
“My heart is full. Full of smiles, peace, beauty and happiness. The days have passed too quickly and these restless feet of mine that are usually eager to explore new places don’t want to leave this little apple orchard in the sky. Thank you for so generously and openly allowing me to participate in your lives.”
(Georgia, Australia)
“I am truly humbled by the graciousness, incredible kindness, and hospitality of our hosts, her parents, and everyone at Himalayan Orchard. This is an amazing healing and natural place, which provided a great place for a retreat. We all formed beautiful connections and I will certainly look forward to returning.”
(Tanim, India)
“I felt like home – enjoyable, playful, powerful experience.”
(Svet, Russia/UK)
“I came for a week, changed my flight, and stayed for two, and so glad I did. A little piece of heaven in the Himalayas with great company, fantastic food, wonderful walking, and every comfort one could wish for. Your warm welcome and consideration made me feel I was staying with friends.”
(Natalie, UK)
“An undiscovered gem in Himachal Pradesh.”
(Pritha, India)
“One of the most memorable stays in recent years. Perfect location, climate, surroundings… Since the place is off the tourist map, we literally owned the hills.”
(Anurag, India)
“I enjoyed every single moment and am leaving inspired.”
(Beate, Germany)
Rates
Full board and lodging, including taxes:
- Sharing: Rs. 3500 per person per night.
- Single occupancy: Rs. 4500 pppn.
Transport to the farm can be arranged from Delhi, Chandigarh and Shimla.
Please inform us of any specially dietary or other requirements when booking.