Narkanda & Kotgarh: The Apple Basket of India

Have you ever plucked an apple, straight from a tree in the apple orchards, and ate it realizing how sweet and juicy a fresh apple is?

Himachal Pradesh

Starts: from Delhi

Ends: at Delhi

Group Type: Mixed Gender

Dates

Start: 11 PM, 15 Aug

End: 8 PM, 18 Aug

~~₹ 20000~~

₹ 18500

About the Tour

Narkanda, Thanedar, Kotgarh, and its surrounding areas make the “apple basket of India”. Do you feel excited to visit an apple orchard and relish freshly plucked apples? Does the idea of driving through roads dotted with the beautiful scenery of apple orchards give you goosebumps? We would also experience an amazing trek and some of the sightseeing places during this long weekend trip to the apple basket of India.

Narkanda, a sleepy little town surrounded by fir forests, lies in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh at a distance of 60 km from Shimla. The landscape of Narkanda is captivating, and the environment is peaceful, which means that Narkanda has stayed away from the commercialisation as compared to its surrounding destinations. It’s one of the closest offbeat destinations from Delhi, in the mountains.

Located at an average altitude of 8599 feet, Narkanda offers a breathtaking view of snow-clad mountains, especially the view of Shivalik Hills which can be seen from Hatu Peak in Narkanda.

Did you know that Narkanda is one of the oldest skiing destinations in India? In winter months, the snowy slopes of Narkanda become alive with skiers!

Kotgarh & Thanedar are the two lesser known towns located at a distance of a few kilometers from Narkanda. These places are also known as the apple basket of India as Kotgarh is the home to one of the first apple plantations in the country in 1916.

Did you know that the apple belt of Himachal Pradesh contributes almost 30% to the total apple production in India, with Kotgarh and Thanedar as one of the major contributors?

Are you ready to experience the thrill of snaking hill roads, towering deodars, beautiful valleys, promising spectacular mountain views, spend some time in the heart of Nature while hiking Hatu Peak and get amazed while taking the guided tour of apple orchards?

Trip Highlights

1. Apple Orchards

As mentioned above, Narkanda & Kotgarh belong to the apple basket of India. Apple Orchards are loaded with fresh mouth-watering fruits from August to October. During our visit, we will visit an apple orchard to take a guided tour of the area, understand the efforts which are put into growing apples, season, types of apples, production, selling, etc. Do you want to experience the joy of plucking a fresh apple and eat?

2. Apple Packaging

How do these Himachali apples make their way to the entire world? What takes to pack them on a large scale? Have you ever been confused if there is actually a layer of wax on apples or not, as claimed by many articles? While witnessing the packaging of apples in huge cartons, you would also get a chance to get some of your questions answered.

3. Hatu Peak

Located at an altitude of 12000 feet, Hatu Peak overlooks the town of Narkanda. Hatu Peak gives a breathtaking view of snow-clad mountains around it, and a clear blue sky above it, surrounded by the dense forests of deodar, fir, blue pine, cedar, etc.
Did you know that it’s also the highest peak in the entire Shimla district?

4. Hatu Temple

Hatu Mata Temple is located atop Hatu Peak. The temple is dedicated to Maa Kaali and mythology says that the Pandava brothers also visited here during their Agyaat Vaas. It’s a beautiful wooden temple with the most intricate and beautiful carvings. Amidst all the heavy rains and the snowfall that Hatu Peak receives, it’s surprising to see that how a wooden temple is maintained so well here. You can spend some peaceful moments outside the temple and also make some pretty pictures.

5. Kotgarh Village Walk

This Village Walk is going to be a very relaxing activity as we walk through the narrow lanes of Kotgarh while saying hello to locals and appreciating their fruit orchards and vegetable gardens. This allows us to spend some slow moments on the trip and observe the local way of living.

6. St. Mary’s Church

St. Mary’s church, located in Kotgarh, is a quaint little 18th century tiny chapel with impressive interiors. Every element used in the construction and designing of this church still gives an old world charm, be it the stained glass, wooden benches for devotees or the church bell. The architectural grandeur of this church is very captivating, and the surrounding scenic beauty adds more to the experience of visiting St. Mary’s Church. Did you know that Church comes alive every Sunday morning when a mass takes place?

7. Tani Jubbar Lake

Tani Jubbar Lake is a beautiful freshwater lake located in the midst of pine and deodar forests. On one side of the lake, there are apple orchards, and on the other side, one can see lush green mountainous slopes. There is a temple of local deity, Naag Devta, near the lake, and a park has also been maintained. During winters, Tani Jubbar lake is also a preferred spot for watching colorful birds. Visiting Tani Jubbar Lake is indeed a serene and peaceful experience!

8. Group Activities & Group Games

Stay excited for this part!

Your Itinerary

Day 1: Start from Delhi

Meet the entire group and group leader for introduction and orientation in Delhi. We will board a comfortable Volvo/Scania Bus for our overnight journey to Shimla. From Shimla, we’ll board pre-booked local vehicles for our journey until our hotel.

Pick up Point: ISBT Kashmere Gate at 10:30 PM (arrive 20 mins prior to the bus departure time)

(If you are an outstation participant, we recommend landing in Delhi latest by 7:30 PM)

Day 2: Visiting Apple Orchard

Deboard the Volvo in Shimla & board the vehicle to hotel
Breakfast (not included)
Arrival in hotel
check-in & freshen-up
Lunch
Apple Orchard Visit (you would be required to walk 1-2 km)
Group Activity
Dinner

Please note that the hotel check-in time is 2 PM. If we see rooms not getting ready by our arrival time, we will spend some time exploring outside. Usually, we get early check-in for this destination.

Overnight stay in a 3-star hotel

Day 3: Hatu Peak & Temple | Narkanda & Kotgarh Experiences

Breakfast
Hatu Peak (via cab, cost included)
Hatu Temple
Lunch
Tanijubbar Lake
St. Mary’s Church
Kotgarh Village Walk
Drive back to hotel
Social Evening
Dinner

Overnight stay in a 3-star hotel

Note:

Please be prepared for 1-2 km easy walk during your visit to Christ Church. Although the walk is pleasant as you walk through the Kotgarh village and you may end up interacting with locals.

Day 4: Return Journey to Delhi

Breakfast
Check-out from hotel
Drive towards Shimla
Board a morning Volvo bus to Delhi
Arrival in Delhi by 8 PM (ISBT Kashmere Gate)

We are supposed to reach Delhi by 8 PM as per the schedule, but still, keep some buffer time in hand if you have an onward journey on the same day. Because of uncertain traffic and road conditions, we can’t predict the exact time. Also, Volvo is a third-party service and as a tour operator, we cannot control timings over there.
We will drop off the participants as per the respective pick-up points, and exchange warm hugs, and goodbyes until we meet again.

If you are an outstation participant, we recommend booking a flight after 11:30 PM.

Important Information

Ex-Delhi (add 5% GST to the applicable tariff):

20000 INR per person to/from Delhi (regular tariff)

18500 INR per person if you book from the first five seats

After the first 5 seats,

19000 INR if you but book from 6-10 slot

19500 INR per person for two or more people traveling together

19500 INR per person if you are solo but have already traveled with us 🙂

Else, 20000 INR

Please note that 5% GST would be added to the final applicable cost.

To make a booking, please contact below:
WhatsApp/ Call: 9999749677
Email: chandni@transformingtravels.com

All transport from Delhi to Delhi (Shared Volvo Bus from Delhi to Shimla and Shimla to Delhi, and private local vehicles from Shimla & onwards) as per the itinerary. AC won’t be functional in the hills.
Stay in a 3-star hotel for two nights on a twin-sharing. Couples will be given private rooms. If you are friends/a couple traveling together and want the same room, please let us know while booking. Else, pairing for solo travelers is done on the same gender basis.
Day 2: Lunch and Dinner
Day 3: Breakfast, local Lunch, and Dinner
Day 4: Breakfast
Small cars for the transfers between base and Hatu Peak
Local Guide
Cost of entry tickets as per the itinerary
One 24/7 highly professional and friendly group leader throughout the tour

Travel from your home to our pick-up points in Delhi-NCR
All the meals not listed in Inclusions. We directly pay for what we eat.
Any side dish or extras which ain’t a part of the set menu of included meals
If you choose to purchase apples from the orchard, you pay the amount directly to the orchard owner/staff.
Any expense on any items/services which are personal such as driver tips, medicines, toiletries, sun protection creams, snacks, laundry, STD calls, etc
Any extra expenses incurred due to delays arising from bad weather conditions or any unanticipated or uncontrollable conditions
Any extra expenses incurred because of any delays caused by Volvo journey or any kind of change in Volvo schedule including the cancellation
Any alternative vehicles required anywhere due to any reasons except those which are already mentioned in inclusions
Any medical expenses
Any other expenses of any nature not included in the INCLUSIONS section

The group size will be limited to a maximum of 24 people: 23 participants + 1 group leader and a minimum of 6 people: 5 participants + 1 group leader
We don’t distribute any packed water during this trip. Hence, we recommend everyone to get water bottles that can be refilled. Why add non-biodegradable waste to the environment if we can easily manage it without doing so?
Please note that Day 3 lunch would be basic & vegetarian as it would be arranged around Hatu Peak which doesn’t have any eating joints. But it would be delicious, fresh and homely style.
Menus are pre-decided and fixed for all the meals that are included.
If you are booking this trip, you need to be flexible with the type of bedding in the rooms. It could be a double bed or twin beds. Also, we host couples and solo travelers both, in a single group, and we try our best to meet everyone’s requirements but availability becomes an issue in all hotels. Hope you understand the same. We won’t be able to entertain any twin/double bed-related issues during the trip.
Please note that the hotel rooms may differ slightly from each other in terms of shape, size & view. If you are traveling with the group, please be mentally prepared.
If you are picking apples from the orchard, you’ll pay directly to the orchard owner and you’ll be responsible for checking the stock before accepting it.

Summer Clothes
1-2 sweater/jacket
Sport Shoes
Flip Flops for the hotel
Energy bars/snacks/ dry fruits for munching
Raincoat
A small day bag to keep essentials
Sunglasses/ Hat/ Headgear
Sunscreen
Refillable Water Bottle
Power Banks
Neck Pillow for road journey
Shawl/ travel blanket for the overnight journey
Bluetooth speaker – if you are an entertainment enthusiast
Any prescribed medication
POSITIVE ENERGY & ENTHUSIASM!

60 days before the trip: 90% refund
59-41 days before the trip: 70% refund
40-21 days before the trip: 40% refund
20-11 days before the trip: 20% refund
Less than or equal to 10 days before the trip: No Refund

The cancellation policy is calculated on the total trip tariff, not on the token amount.

Participants will be respectful to their fellow guests, organizers, and the hosts
Participants have to show a little degree of flexibility during the tour
It’s the duty of participants to assess whether they are physically fit or not for the tour before joining it
Please note that neither we assign any seats in the vehicle nor do we take any special requests for that. Be it a first seat, window seat, or the last seat, we expect participants to be flexible with their choice considering the fact that it’s a group tour. Although, we encourage participants to shuffle seats with each other during the journey to support each other.
Transforming Travels reserves the right to modify the place of stay or the itinerary without any prior notice.
Every participant should be wearing a mask at all public places. Also, expected to carry a backup mask in case you lose one.
Every participant should carry a personal sanitizer and keep sanitizing their hands at regular intervals.
At the backend, we would also be conducting the temperature check of our driver, group leader, and guide.
Our accommodation partners sanitize the rooms and attached bathrooms before check-in. Common areas are sanitized on regular basis.
Temperature check is conducted for housekeeping and kitchen staff members every day by our accommodation partners.
The laws and customs of the areas we visit can be very different from those we are used to. Be aware of your actions to ensure that they do not offend, especially if you are visiting religious areas. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with and respect local laws and customs. If you fail to do so, we will have no liability to you for any cost, loss, or damage you suffer nor will we refund you the cost of any unused portion of your travel arrangements.
Please note that if a Government rule asks for a negative RT PCR test report for any places that are a part of our itinerary, then it’s your responsibility to get that test done & bring the report.
Outstation participants are advised to keep a good amount of buffer time while booking their flights/trains. Please keep as much buffer time as you can. Still, if someone misses their flight/train because of any unpredictable circumstances then Transforming Travels won’t be liable.

Important Information

Cost

Ex-Delhi (add 5% GST to the applicable tariff):

20000 INR per person to/from Delhi (regular tariff)

18500 INR per person if you book from the first five seats

After the first 5 seats,

19000 INR if you but book from 6-10 slot

19500 INR per person for two or more people traveling together

19500 INR per person if you are solo but have already traveled with us 🙂

Else, 20000 INR

Please note that 5% GST would be added to the final applicable cost.

To make a booking, please contact below:
WhatsApp/ Call: 9999749677
Email: chandni@transformingtravels.com

Inclusions

All transport from Delhi to Delhi (Shared Volvo Bus from Delhi to Shimla and Shimla to Delhi, and private local vehicles from Shimla & onwards) as per the itinerary. AC won’t be functional in the hills.
Stay in a 3-star hotel for two nights on a twin-sharing. Couples will be given private rooms. If you are friends/a couple traveling together and want the same room, please let us know while booking. Else, pairing for solo travelers is done on the same gender basis.
Day 2: Lunch and Dinner
Day 3: Breakfast, local Lunch, and Dinner
Day 4: Breakfast
Small cars for the transfers between base and Hatu Peak
Local Guide
Cost of entry tickets as per the itinerary
One 24/7 highly professional and friendly group leader throughout the tour

Exclusions

Travel from your home to our pick-up points in Delhi-NCR
All the meals not listed in Inclusions. We directly pay for what we eat.
Any side dish or extras which ain’t a part of the set menu of included meals
If you choose to purchase apples from the orchard, you pay the amount directly to the orchard owner/staff.
Any expense on any items/services which are personal such as driver tips, medicines, toiletries, sun protection creams, snacks, laundry, STD calls, etc
Any extra expenses incurred due to delays arising from bad weather conditions or any unanticipated or uncontrollable conditions
Any extra expenses incurred because of any delays caused by Volvo journey or any kind of change in Volvo schedule including the cancellation
Any alternative vehicles required anywhere due to any reasons except those which are already mentioned in inclusions
Any medical expenses
Any other expenses of any nature not included in the INCLUSIONS section

Basic Info

The group size will be limited to a maximum of 24 people: 23 participants + 1 group leader and a minimum of 6 people: 5 participants + 1 group leader
We don’t distribute any packed water during this trip. Hence, we recommend everyone to get water bottles that can be refilled. Why add non-biodegradable waste to the environment if we can easily manage it without doing so?
Please note that Day 3 lunch would be basic & vegetarian as it would be arranged around Hatu Peak which doesn’t have any eating joints. But it would be delicious, fresh and homely style.
Menus are pre-decided and fixed for all the meals that are included.
If you are booking this trip, you need to be flexible with the type of bedding in the rooms. It could be a double bed or twin beds. Also, we host couples and solo travelers both, in a single group, and we try our best to meet everyone’s requirements but availability becomes an issue in all hotels. Hope you understand the same. We won’t be able to entertain any twin/double bed-related issues during the trip.
Please note that the hotel rooms may differ slightly from each other in terms of shape, size & view. If you are traveling with the group, please be mentally prepared.
If you are picking apples from the orchard, you’ll pay directly to the orchard owner and you’ll be responsible for checking the stock before accepting it.

Packing List

Summer Clothes
1-2 sweater/jacket
Sport Shoes
Flip Flops for the hotel
Energy bars/snacks/ dry fruits for munching
Raincoat
A small day bag to keep essentials
Sunglasses/ Hat/ Headgear
Sunscreen
Refillable Water Bottle
Power Banks
Neck Pillow for road journey
Shawl/ travel blanket for the overnight journey
Bluetooth speaker – if you are an entertainment enthusiast
Any prescribed medication
POSITIVE ENERGY & ENTHUSIASM!

Cancellation Policy

60 days before the trip: 90% refund
59-41 days before the trip: 70% refund
40-21 days before the trip: 40% refund
20-11 days before the trip: 20% refund
Less than or equal to 10 days before the trip: No Refund

The cancellation policy is calculated on the total trip tariff, not on the token amount.

Terms and Conditions

Participants will be respectful to their fellow guests, organizers, and the hosts
Participants have to show a little degree of flexibility during the tour
It’s the duty of participants to assess whether they are physically fit or not for the tour before joining it
Please note that neither we assign any seats in the vehicle nor do we take any special requests for that. Be it a first seat, window seat, or the last seat, we expect participants to be flexible with their choice considering the fact that it’s a group tour. Although, we encourage participants to shuffle seats with each other during the journey to support each other.
Transforming Travels reserves the right to modify the place of stay or the itinerary without any prior notice.
Every participant should be wearing a mask at all public places. Also, expected to carry a backup mask in case you lose one.
Every participant should carry a personal sanitizer and keep sanitizing their hands at regular intervals.
At the backend, we would also be conducting the temperature check of our driver, group leader, and guide.
Our accommodation partners sanitize the rooms and attached bathrooms before check-in. Common areas are sanitized on regular basis.
Temperature check is conducted for housekeeping and kitchen staff members every day by our accommodation partners.
The laws and customs of the areas we visit can be very different from those we are used to. Be aware of your actions to ensure that they do not offend, especially if you are visiting religious areas. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with and respect local laws and customs. If you fail to do so, we will have no liability to you for any cost, loss, or damage you suffer nor will we refund you the cost of any unused portion of your travel arrangements.
Please note that if a Government rule asks for a negative RT PCR test report for any places that are a part of our itinerary, then it’s your responsibility to get that test done & bring the report.
Outstation participants are advised to keep a good amount of buffer time while booking their flights/trains. Please keep as much buffer time as you can. Still, if someone misses their flight/train because of any unpredictable circumstances then Transforming Travels won’t be liable.

Booking/ Query

To book this trip, please Call/ WhatsApp/ Email using the below-mentioned details.

If you have any questions or concerns, then please feel free to contact us using the below-mentioned details. Alternatively, fill this form and our team will get back to you at their earliest.