Overview

Kotgarh – The Apple Basket of India

A soulful Himalayan weekend for women

Escape the rush of city life and journey with our women-only travel group to Kotgarh — lovingly known as the Apple Basket of India. Nestled in the quiet foothills of the Himalayas, this charming mountain town offers crisp air, orchard views, and the kind of stillness that feels rare and restorative.

Our getaway blends gentle adventure with slow living. Hike up to Hatu Peak, an easy and scenic 5 km trail that rewards you with sweeping Himalayan views and moments of quiet pride. Stay in a cosy, character-filled homestay that feels less like a hotel and more like a mountain home.

Kotgarh is famous for its apple and cherry orchards — and yes, you’ll experience it firsthand. Relish fresh apples plucked straight from the trees, wander through orchards, and (season permitting) opt for cherry plucking as well. It’s simple, grounding, and unexpectedly joyful.

This is not just a weekend escape — it’s a pause, a breath, and a gentle reset with like-minded women who value comfort, connection, and calm.

Looking for something even shorter and equally unique? Explore our offbeat Jaipur glamping getaway with leopard safari — a desert-meets-wildlife experience designed for women who love quick yet meaningful escapes.

Itinerary

  • Relax while sipping coffee

    Arrival - Kotgarh

    Apr 23 – Overnight Journey

    • Depart from Delhi by overnight Volvo to Shimla

    • Rest well and wake up to mountain views

    Apr 24 – Into the Apple Hills of Kotgarh

    • Early morning arrival in Shimla

    • Breakfast en route around 8:30 AM

    • Board our private Tempo Traveller and drive towards Kotgarh

    • Scenic drive through dense forests, apple & cherry orchards

    • Pass through the charming town of Narkanda

    • Arrive at our cosy homestay by afternoon

    • Check-in, freshen up and relax

    Evening Experience

    • Walk through a 100-year-old heritage trail

    • Wander across quiet villages and orchard paths

    • Visit the historic Kotgarh Church

    • Bonfire under the Himalayan sky

    • Find what sparks light within you — and let it glow

  • Hike Day

    Apr 25 – Hatu Peak & Orchard Living

    • Wake up to snow-clad views of the Baspa ranges

    • Morning at our boutique homestay nestled in apple & cherry orchards

    • Breakfast with fresh mountain air

    • Drive towards the base of Hatu Peak

    • Optional 1-hour forest trek through Oak & Deodar trails

    • Prefer not to trek? The vehicle will take you up — your pace, your choice

    • Reach the top and soak in panoramic Himalayan views

    • Slow moments, deep breaths, and beautiful photographs

    • Leisurely walk towards Jawbagh

    • Return to the homestay by evening

    • Quiet mountain sunset and relaxed conversations

  • Beautiful Drive

    Apr 26 – Slow Goodbye to the Mountains

    • Wake up to another peaceful mountain morning

    • Go for a gentle forest walk with Alpha (our cutest four-legged host)

    • Reach a quiet clearing amidst apple orchards and soak in the views

    • Return to the homestay

    • Pack up, heartfelt goodbyes to the mountains

    • Drive back to Shimla

    • Sunset break at a cosy café on Mall Road

    • Late evening Volvo back to Delhi

    • Reach ISBT Delhi early morning (Apr 27)

    • Don’t forget to AirDrop/WhatsApp your best pictures

    • One last hug, and a quiet promise to travel together again

Inclusions

  • Return HRTC Volvo (Delhi - Delhi)
  • All breakfast 2 Dinners & 2 Lunches
  • Deodar Cottage A boutique homestay for 2N 3D
  • Transport from Shimla to Deodar Cottage
  • One tour leader from team Jugni

Exclusions

  • 5% GST
  • Gratuities, any medical expense, any kind of drinks
  • Mandatory tipping Rs 100 per day for driver and support staff
  • Anything not specified in the inclusions

Additional Information

  • Bring your own water bottle to reduce the plastic waste and do your bit to keep the environment clean
  • Original ID Proof (Aadhar card / Voter I'd card / Passport / Driving Licence)
  • Prescribed Medicines
  • Your favorite snack to munch

FAQs

  • What are the female-only travel groups offered by Jugni?
  • Discover the world of women's travel with Jugni, an innovative travel company for women in India. Since 2014, we have organised trips for solo female travellers who want to explore the world. We carefully plan unforgettable trips within India and abroad.
  • What are solo travel groups?
  • Solo travel groups comprise solo adventurers looking to explore a destination together. They offer a safety net and take the stress out of planning the trip and finding a place to stay.
  • What is the typical group size?
  • We keep our group sizes deliberately small, typically comprising 12-14 travellers, allowing us to deliver personalised and attentive service to each of our solo women travellers. Our groups may expand to 18-20 travellers in destinations with longstanding expertise.
  • Is there any age bar?
  • Age is no barrier to joining our adventurous Jugni family. Whether you're 22 or 60, your spirit is all that matters. Come and explore with us!
  • I've never travelled alone, and I'm feeling a little anxious. Will I be able to do it?
  • Feeling nervous before your trip is normal as a first-time solo woman traveller. But we are here to calm your nerves and assure you this will be a truly transformative experience where you'll build lifelong friendships.
  • How do we ensure safety and security for our solo women travellers?
  • As a company, we deeply understand the importance of safety for female travellers. That's why we take every possible measure to ensure our trips offer a safe and secure experience. We personally conduct background checks on every agent involved and visit each hotel to ensure your peace of mind.
  • How are the group dynamics on trips?
  • Our travellers often journey alone, although some come with female friends. Our accommodations are based on double occupancy unless otherwise requested, and we assign roommates at random to help solo travellers start forming connections from the beginning.
  • Are visa fees and flights inclusive?
  • Due to the diverse origins of our travellers, it is not feasible for us to include flights and visas. Nevertheless, we offer complete assistance with flight bookings and visa forms at no additional cost. For your understanding, all the rest of the inclusions and exclusions are mentioned explicitly in the itinerary.
  • What type of accommodations can we expect to stay in?
  • We put a lot of effort into handpicking our accommodations, either conveniently located 4-star hotels or cosy boutique stays. In more rural or remote areas, we love arranging authentic regional homestays to immerse you in the local experience. Just remember that some amenities may not be available at these homestays because of their remote locations.
  • Can we arrange a single occupancy room?
  • As a standard practice, we provide twin-sharing accommodation, allowing solo travellers to connect with the group. However, we can arrange for single occupancy upon special request and an additional charge.
  • Is it okay if I bring my child with me?
  • We welcome children over 12 years on our trips, and their trip cost equals that of adult travellers. The final decision is made after careful consideration, including location and trip type.
  • Can I trust Jugni as a women-only travel company?
  • For nearly a decade, Jugni has been a long-standing champion of solo women's travel and believes in empowering them to explore the world. With a perfect 5/5 Facebook rating and an impressive 4.9/5 Google rating from over 800 reviews, our commitment to transparency and no hidden costs ensures your peace of mind. Providing direct links to our accommodations, we prioritise your comfort, safety, and security on every journey with Jugni.

Trip Highlights

  • Hatu Peak
  • Apple Orchards
  • Few British Era Buildings
  • A Super Cute Dog
  • Digging your Teeth into Simple Home Cooked Meals
  • Serene Location, Stunning Mountain Views
  • Sheer Madness & Unlimited Selfies and Photographs

CANCELLATION POLICY

In the event of cancellation of tour / travel services due to any avoidable / unavoidable reason/s we must be notified of the same in writing. Cancellation charges will be effective from the date we receive advice in writing, and cancellation charges would be as follows:

  • Booking amount & Tickets: (Non Refundable)
  • 60 days prior to arrival: 50% of the Tour / service cost will be deducted
  • 45 days prior to arrival: 70% of the Tour / service cost will be deducted
  • 30 days prior to arrival: No Refund

DISCLAIMER

Please be aware that during your participation in vacations operated by Jugni, certain risks and dangers may arise beyond our control, including but not limited to: the hazards of traveling in undeveloped areas; travel by boat, train, automobile, aircraft, or other means of transportation; forces of nature; political unrest; acts of lawlessness or terrorism; and accident or illness in remote regions without means of rapid evacuation or medical facilities. Jugni will not have liability regarding provision of medical care or the adequacy of any care that may be rendered. While Jugni will use its best efforts to ensure that adequate measures are taken, by agreeing to participate in a vacation and/or optional excursions you agree that you will hold Jugni harmless regarding any provision of medical care or the adequacy of any care rendered. Jugni is not responsible for such risks and dangers that may arise beyond our control. Payment of your deposit indicates you accept these risks and dangers and agree to hold Jugni harmless for the same.

SAFETY

Please be aware that during your participation in vacations operated by Jugni, certain risks and dangers may arise beyond our control, including but not limited to: the hazards of traveling in undeveloped areas; travel by boat, train, automobile, aircraft, or other means of transportation; forces of nature; political unrest; acts of lawlessness or terrorism; and accident or illness in remote regions without means of rapid evacuation or medical facilities. Jugni will not have liability regarding provision of medical care or the adequacy of any care that may be rendered. While Jugni will use its best efforts to ensure that adequate measures are taken, by agreeing to participate in a vacation and/or optional excursions you agree that you will hold Jugni harmless regarding any provision of medical care or the adequacy of any care rendered. Jugni is not responsible for such risks and dangers that may arise beyond our control. Payment of your deposit indicates you accept these risks and dangers and agree to hold Jugni harmless for the same.

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