Day One
Linger over breakfast on your balcony overlooking the farm next door. Hop on one of our mountain bikes for a leisurely explore. Cycle over to the village of Moolkoti. Watch the local farming community bring their fields to life; all this while they hum harvest songs that will linger in you mind long after you’ve biked away from here. Savor a relaxing packed picnic lunch, sitting by a happily gurgling mountain stream. Cycle back in time for tea and Pen’s yummy melt in the mouth chocolate cake. Lie back with a book in the Library, sample some local wine and let the gentle solar lights from outside entice you with their seductive dance in the breeze. Dinner, coffee and summer evenings don’t get better.
Day Two
Indulge your spiritual side this morning. Take the Yoga mats out to the big Buddha statue in the garden and practice your favourite Aasans. If you need help, don’t hesitate to use the framed instructions on the wall in the lobby, to practice Pranayam. All this, amidst the chirping of busy birds and an odd call from the adjoining farm’s goats! Tell us in advance, and we will lay a table for you outside for lunch. Post lunch, take a leisurely stroll to the mushroom and floriculture farm next door and educate yourself on how these are grown. Take advantage of the beautiful forest road the farm is on, and continue on to explore small mountain streams, lush green glades and thick deodar forests. Try a ‘Blind Date with a Book’ in the evening, before dinner. Fall in love! And don’t forget to look up often; on an average we spot 10 shooting stars every day!
Day Three
An early morning walk to Mashobra town is a great way to start the day! Come back for brunch at Khanabadosh and then head into town. Shimla is about 35 minutes away by car/cab. Visit the Viceregal Lodge, Annadale, Summer hill and finally get dropped off at the Mall. Take a stroll down Shimla’s most popular road and stop for coffee at one of the numerous little cute cafes there. Walk into Maria Brothers, Shimla’s oldest book store and get amazed at the collection of old books, manuscripts and maps. You could even catch a quick play or performance at the magnificent Gaiety Theatre in case something is on there. There are numerous bars on the Mall, where you can enjoy a few drinks. With the stillness of the valley on one side and the lights and hustle-bustle of the mall on the other, these bars make rather nice places to sit in the evenings. Return to Khanabadosh via Mashobra post dinner.
Day Four
On most days, you don’t need to set the alarm – birdsong wakes you up. After a leisurely breakfast, take the cycles out and head off on one of the routes mentioned in our ‘The Trails’ section. Get back some wild mushrooms and fern (Lingdu) and Pen will happily cook them for you for dinner. Carry a picnic lunch with you and head back by early evening. Book a ‘Story session’ with us in advance and hear local folklore from a village elder as you sip on a nice drink. Don’t forget to keep your wishes ready – lots of shooting stars in the sky in this season!
Day Five
For today, Shali Tibba is the destination. Plan your day using the page on ‘The Trails’. It describes in detail how to get to Shali Tibba and back. Marvel at the scenic beauty of Mashobra as you traverse the villages and hamlets. Once atop the peak, with no cars, no bikes, no pollution, no unnecessary buildings, be aware of the enchanting hiking trails, pristine snow covered peaks in the distance and the breathtaking views. On your return to Khanabadosh, sit outside with a drink if you wish, and see the tiny light at Shali Tibba in the distance. Marvel at the day. Count your blessings.
Day Six
Your last full day at Khanabadosh and you have not been to Kufri and Narkanda! Kufri has lots to do for the busy tourist, but is a true haven for the nature lover. Do nothing. Just stop where ever you like, take in the views and the landscape. Say hello to clouds that may float into your car. Smile at a bird that decides to fly along your car and drop you half way to Narkanda! Park your car in Narkanda, hire a mountain bike for a few hours and take it where your car would protest. There are a lot of eateries in Narkanda and you could get a nice lunch somewhere, overlooking the gorgeous mountains in the distance. Return, with the mountains in your soul and a smile that reaches your eyes. Back at Khanabadosh, sit amongst the flowers, under a canopy of stars, and see the sky-stage come alive with shooting stars and constellations.
Day Seven
Oh, Oh – today is check out day. Enjoy one last bike ride as the sun battles with white fluffy clouds to rise over the mountains in a blaze of orange leaving the due drops on leaves glistening with diamonds of light. Linger over breakfast. Jump into your Jacuzzi one last time. Alleviate the pain of your departure by having Pen’s signature masala chai and a slice of chocolate cake. And smile, for we know you’ll return.