I’ve offered residential writing workshops in the Himalayas for over a decade, and I love what is possible in the intensity of 4 days together with a group of writers, reading, writing, and talking into the wee hours of the night.
At the same time, I also think often of my own favourite part of being in my mountain home: the long slow evenings by myself, the making a cup of coffee and staring out of the window for hours without an agenda, the silence of a solitary walk in a deodar forest… and especially, as Delhi heads into its smoggiest season, the ability to simply breathe fresh mountain air. I think of the luxury of leaving sheets of paper on the floor of my office, going out for a walk to clear my head, and finding them exactly where I left them so I can start again afterwards. And I think of warm meals and cosy fires and steaming cups of hot chocolate, all of which nurture not only my writerly and artistic side but also simply my human side.
So this year, I decided to open up a second option for folks who want to work on their writing with me in the mountains, but slowly, without the clamour of a full workshop.
Between 28th October and 20th December this year, I am offering a limited number of slots for “The Faraway Tree,” a mentored writing retreat, where you come with your own creative project, and I work intensively with you once or twice a week; the rest of the time, you can dig deep into your own writing or simply take the time to read, walk, daydream in a hammock, talk to another writer, and rejuvenate away from the city smog.
You can sign up for 1, 2, or 4 weeks, opt for either a Swiss Tent or a Private Cottage, and let our team take care of all the rest.
The Venue
Nomad Eco-Retreat, Gallu
is about 15 km from Shimla. The retreat is in the middle of an apple orchard, and surrounded by Deodar forests, with views of the snow peaks in the distance. It balances wilderness and comfort, boasting of mud cottages, Swiss tents, running hot water, wildflowers, forest sounds, and stunning night skies.
Costs
Accommodation for the retreat is in Swiss Tents with British Campaign Style furniture or Mud Cottages with comfortable beds, desks, and window seats. Both types of accommodation have ensuite washrooms, running hot water, electric blankets, hot water bottles, a tea and coffee station, and modern amenities.
COST FOR SWISS TENT (SINGLE OCCUPANCY):
1 Week: Rs 38,000 + 5% GST
2 WEEKS: Rs 58,000 + 5% GST
4 WEEKS: Rs 88,000 + 5% GST
COST FOR MUD COTTAGE (SINGLE OCCUPANCY)
1 Week: Rs 48000 + 5% GST
2 Weeks: Rs, 76000 + 5%GST
4 WEEKS: 1,12,000 + 5% GST
This cost includes:
Accommodation on single-occupancy basis (if you’d like to bring a partner, a child, or a pet, we can accommodate them for an additional fee)
All meals (with prior notice, we can accommodate most dietary restrictions and food allergies— reach out if you’d need this)
Unlimited organic tea and coffee
One 90-minute or two 45-minute one-on-one mentoring sessions with me per week of your stay.
A private workspace in your cottage/ tent porch.
Indoor and outdoor co-working spaces with other creatives
Access to WiFi, a printer, projector, and whiteboard, as needed
Access to a lovingly curated library of books and board games
Optional guided walks, bonfires, nature meditations, picnics, and ongoing activities such as Himachali Dham, Diwali celebrations, live music, etc.
This cost excludes:
Travel to Gallu from participants’ respective cities
Field trips to Shimla or other locations you may want to visit (we can help organise a local taxi if you’d like to go somewhere, and you would pay the driver directly)
Additional food, alcohol etc.
Medical expenses beyond first aid, if needed
Insurance
Other Personal Expenses
Limited Spots, filled on a rolling basis.
To apply, email me a 1-2 paragraph proposal about the project you’re working on and what you’d hope to get out of your time at The Faraway Tree. You can be in any stage of working on this project, including not yet having begun: I just want to understand your goals.
Cancellation Policy
In case you need to cancel for some reason after you have paid, the Cancellation policy will be:
· 95% refund for cancellation <21 days
· 50% refund for cancellation <14 days
· 25% refund for cancellation <7 days
· 0% refund for cancellation >7 days
The only exception to this rule is cancellations due to a medical emergency; in this case, we will give you a credit note for your room and board, to be used within 6 months
Trip Disclaimer
We will have a basic first aid kit, as well as a nursing assistant on standby for medical emergencies. However, if you have any known medical conditions or allergies, please carry your medication with you as there are no chemists in our immediate vicinity. Further, in case any participant requires medical attention beyond what can be provided on-site, we will help organise transport to the nearest hospital. All extra medical and transportation expenses will be borne by the participant.
In keeping with travelling sustainably, please minimise plastic use and ensure you do not litter in the natural areas.
If for any reason you have to leave the trip early, you will not be entitled to a refund. We will not be liable for any expenses incurred to you as a result. However we will do our best to help make all arrangements for you to return to Shimla or your final destination at the earliest.
If the behaviour of any participant is likely to cause distress or harm to themselves, our staff or other team members, we reserve the right to terminate their trip at any time and they will have to make their own arrangements; we will not be liable for any expenses incurred as a result.
Limited Spots, filled on a rolling basis.
To apply, email me a 1-2 paragraph proposal about the project you’re working on and what you’d hope to get out of your time at The Faraway Tree. You can be in any stage of working on this project, including not yet having begun: I just want to understand your goals.
