Offbeat Himachal – Toy Train, Apple Orchard and Trails
A journey through mountain rails, apple orchards and Himalayan trails.
Most travellers pass through Himachal. This trip goes into it.
The experience is anchored by the rhythmic charm of the UNESCO Toy Train, winding through pine‑clad ridges and mountain mist at a pace that feels less like transit and more like arrival. This is a journey that trades crowded malls for the deep, quiet soul of the mountains.
The road leads to Thanedar—barely on the tourist map, and all the better for it. Walk orchard rows with the families who tend them, pluck apples straight from the tree, and find the secluded Tani Jubbar lake before the crowds do. The journey peaks at Hatu Peak, where a carved wooden temple crowns the summit and a Himalayan panorama asks only that you stand still and look.
Unhurried by design. Himalayan by nature.
Spaces are few, and the season is short. Join us in the hills while the apples are still on the trees.
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UNESCO Toy Train Ride: Scenic rail journey through Barog—pine forests, stone viaducts and tunnel‑cut views that feel timeless.
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Thanedar Experience: Stay in the birthplace of Himalayan apples, surrounded by expansive working orchards and estate living.
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Hatu Peak Vistas: 360-degree views of the snow-clad Greater Himalayas from an altitude of 3,400 meters.
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Orchard Harvesting: A hands-on experience learning about apple farming and participating in the harvest.
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Serene Trails: Quiet walks to the cedar‑fringed Tani Jubbar “nag” lake—perfect for easy forest time and birding.
Day 1: Arrival in Chandigarh – Drive to Barog
Assemble at Chandigarh and begin your journey with a curated breakfast at a specially selected spot en route, offering a perfect introduction to the region's warm hospitality. After breakfast, we leave the plains behind and begin our ascent into the Shivalik foothills. Our destination is Barog, a serene hill station nestled amidst thick pine and oak forests. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and spend a relaxed afternoon acclimatising. The evening is yours to relax, settle in, and enjoy the cool mountain air.
(Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
Day 2: The Toy Train Journey to Shimla – Drive to Thanedar
Today, we board the legendary Kalka-Shimla Toy Train (KLK SML Express / Train No. 52459) from Barog station at 9:00 AM, arriving in Shimla by 12:20 PM. This slow, beautiful ride takes you through historic tunnels and over high mountain bridges, evoking a nostalgic sense of how travellers first journeyed to the hills. After reaching Shimla, we will enjoy a delicious lunch before meeting our vehicles. From here, we drive further up into the mountains to Thanedar. This beautiful town is the historic heart of the region's apple belt, and your stay tonight is nestled right in the middle of peaceful fruit orchards.
(Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
Day 3: A Day in the Apple Orchards
Wake up to the sight of fruit-laden trees. Today is dedicated to exploring the apple estates. We’ll walk through rows of trees, hear the story of how apples changed this region, and even try our hand at picking and sorting fruit with local farmers. It is a relaxed day to experience the local lifestyle firsthand.
(Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
Day 4: Exploring Tani Jubbar Lake and Hatu Peak
We start the morning at Tani Jubbar Lake, a quiet, hidden pool of water surrounded by tall cedar trees and a local shrine.
Afterwards, we will head up toward Hatu Peak, the highest point in the entire region. We will find a scenic spot on our way up to enjoy a fresh, packed lunch surrounded by nature. At the top, you’ll find a beautifully carved wooden temple and 360-degree views of the snow-capped Himalayan range. It is the highest point in the area and a great spot for photos before we head back to the resort for dinner.
(Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
Day 5: Drive back to Chandigarh for Departure
After a final breakfast overlooking the valley, we begin our drive back down to Chandigarh. We aim to reach the airport or station by late afternoon, saying goodbye to the mountains and heading home with plenty of stories and a bit of that fresh hillside air still with us.
(Meals included: Breakfast and Lunch)
Travel Arrangements to and from Chandigarh:
When booking your travel, please plan to arrive in Chandigarh by 8:00 AM on the first day.
For your return journey, please book your flight or train from Chandigarh for any time after 7:00 PM on the last day.
If you’re having trouble finding the right flights or need help with bookings, just let us know. Our team is happy to help you figure it out!
What is included in the tour
- Surface transport in a comfortable AC vehicle from Ex-Chandigarh.
- Accommodation on a Twin-sharing or Triple-sharing basis in boutique hotels and orchard retreats.
- All meals as mentioned in the itinerary.
- One-way Toy Train tickets from Barog to Shimla.
- Guided walks through the apple orchards.
- Excursion and permit fees for Hatu Peak and Tani Jubbar Lake.
- All park permit fees and local guide charges.
What is NOT included in the tour
- Any Airfare or train tickets to reach Chandigarh.
- Personal expenditure of any kind (Porterage, Telephone, Laundry, room service, etc.).
- Tips to drivers, guides, and hotel staff.
- Expenses that are incurred due to reasons beyond the control of the organisers.
- Camera fees or charges levied by any local department.
- Anything not specifically mentioned under ‘Charges include’.
- Goods and Services Tax (GST).
