Apple & Cherry Country

This amazing 3-day drive will take you to one of the most beautiful places near Shimla, home to some of the most delicious cherries and apples and in fact, the first apple sapling in the country. One can see empty and packed crates of these fruits on the roadside, at various points on the way.

Thanedar (8100 ft.), is slightly higher than Shimla (7,400 ft.) and the road linking the two runs almost near the crest of the mountain with a gradual ascent. One is constantly treated to a bird's-eye view of the different valleys as the road twists and turns from one spur to another. Especially breathtaking is the view of Narkanda from Fagu, a small village en route. Below Narkanda, to the north is the Sutlej Valley and beyond it is the snowy massif. The ridge on which Thanedar stands is the watershed between the Sutlej on the north and the Giri River as well as between the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal.

Day 1: Chandigarh - Thanedar - Drive - 195 kms/6.5 hrs

Chandigarh by Shatabdi express at 1045 hrs. Met by our representative, drive to Thanedar. Check into Banjara retreat. Evening at leisure.

Day 2: Thanedar - Tani Jubbar lake - Thanedar - 11 kms

After breakfast, we drive to starting point of hike in the Saroga forest. After a short hike through the forest, we follow a trail leading to Tani Jubbar Lake. Visit the Nag Devta temple- snake god - (from outside) by the lake. We start the hike from a height of 7300 Ft. and walk up to Shilla Jan Ridge (about 10000 ft.) via Saroga Forest and on to Tani Jubbar Lake. Drive back to Retreat in time for lunch. Rest in the afternoon/ hike to Paramjyotir temple (2 kms)

Day 3: Thanedar - Day excursion to Hatu peak 20 kms drive and 10 kms hike/4-5 hrs

The 3136 mt high Hatu Peak o ers a panoramic view of the Pir Panjal and the Dhauladhar ranges of Himalayas. Drive to Sidhpur; 10 km from the Banjara Retreat and then climb up through the Conifer and Oak forests. The climb to the peak with a small break for a packed lunch, generally takes about 3 hours. The forest around Hatu is famous for its ora and fauna/ Avi-fauna. One can see Silver r, Birch, Oaks, Himalayan Cedar, Himalayan Yew, Rhododendron, herbs and wild owers. It is also rich in wildlife and if you are lucky you may see Leopards, Black Bear, Jungle Cats, Himalayan Weasel, Flaying Squirrel, Himalayan Pheasants like Monal- state bird of Himachal, Red Jungle Fowl, Magpie Robin, Laughing Thrush, Minivets and Whistling Thrush to name a few. The Hatu Mata Temple, located on the ridge of the top, is very popular with the locals during the local fairs in September and October. The more adventurous ones can hike back to Sidhpur and drive back to retreat. In the evening drive/ hike to St. Mary's church in Kotgarh (a 3 km hike through most picturesque forest).

Day 4: Thanedar - Kalka - Delhi

After breakfast, drive back to Kalka to board evening Shatabdi express train back to Delhi.