• Our retreats are designed for authors - aspiring or otherwise - who seek guidance and inspiration. The guidance comes from the expertise of published authors. The inspiration comes from hand-picked Himalayan locations. To apply, please complete the application form and share a sample of your writing.

    Get your book done.

  • Event Calendar - 2017

    Writing Weekend+ : For budding writers, heavy on instruction.

    Writers' Retreat : For evolved writers, heavy on inspiration.

    Himalayan Family Fun Retreat is now full. Please try next year.

    June 14-18, 2017 (4 nights)

    Frozen Woods, Near Mukteshwar, Uttaranchal

    Four fun filled days of family bonding and learning in the beautiful Himalayas. Creative Writing for kids, Parenting Sessions for adults. Plus meditation, Picnics, Forest Walks, Star gazing, Barbecues and more.

    Hosts: Chetan, Vandita, Renu.

    Himalayan Writing Weekend+, Kumaon

    July 22-25, 2017 (3 nights)

    Mountain Trail, Village Sargakhet, near Mukteshwar, Uttarakhand

    A writing workshop for beginners, this three-day Boot camp will give you all the tools you need to get your book done. Published authors guide you as you stay in the gorgeous Himalayas full of nature and inspiration.

    Hosts: Chetan, Vandita.

    Himalayan Writing Weekend+, Sojha

    Aug 31-sep 3, 2017 (3 nights)

    Banjara Camps, Sojha, Himachal Pradesh

    A writing retreat for beginners, this three-day boot camp will give you all the tools you need to get your book done. Published authors guide you as you stay in the gorgeous Himalayan Banjara Camps resort full of nature and inspiration.

    Hosts: Chetan, Vandita.

    Himalayan Blogging & Podcasting Retreat, Kumaon

    September 9-13, 2017 (4 nights)

    Village Satoli, District Nainital, Uttarakhand

    Give your blog / podcast that boost it needs in the pristine Himalayas. India's highest peaks bless your efforts during this inspiring retreat. Fireside chats. Forest walks. Expertise at hand.

    Hosts: Kiruba, Chetan.

    Himalayan Writers' Retreat, Fall, Kumaon

    October 1-8, 2017 (7 nights, option for 10 nights)

    Village Satoli, District Nainital, Uttarakhand

    India's highest peaks bless your writing during this inspiring retreat. If seven days fall short, stay for 10. Amazing food. Fireside chats. Long walks. Lots of free writing time, published authors and Himalayan peaks for inspiration.

    Hosts: Chetan, Vandita. Co-host : Manu Joseph

    Himalayan Writing Weekend +, Binsar

    November 8- 12 2017 (3 nights)

    Binsar Forest reserve, District Almora, Uttarakhand

    A writers workshop for beginners, this four-day boot camp will give you all the tools you need to get your book done. Published authors guide you as you stay at the gorgeous Binsar Forest Retreat surrounded by nature and inspiration.

    Hosts: Chetan, Vandita.

  • Videos

    "The old man and the pen"

    The creativity of Roy Abraham at play. Roy co-hosts at the Himalayan Writing Retreats from time to time.

    The Himalayan Writers' Retreat, Satoli, April 2017.

  • The Himalayan Writing Retreat Blog

    Thoughts, musings, and ruminations.

  • Himalayan Family Fun Retreat

    June 14-18, 2017

    This retreat is designed for the whole family. Kids get better at the critical life-skill of writing. Adults dig deeper into parenting skills or choose to relax and take it easy.

     

    The Creative Writing workshop is for 10-16-year-olds, and helps them get better at writing: storytelling, descriptions, communicating. We go deep into what it takes to write well. We delve into the use of visuals in storytelling. We integrate observing and describing nature into the learning process. We explore elements of writing fiction like plot, character and so much more. This workshop is led by a team of two Himalayan residents - Chetan & Renu. See facilitator profiles below.

     

    Parenting sessions will be conducted by Dr. Vandita Dubey, US Licensed Psychologist, and the author of the book “Parenting in the age of sexposure,”. The parenting workshop starts with self-care and self-development for parents and ends with personalized action plans informed by latest research on issues, such as, setting limits, media impact on body image, alcohol/drug use, dangers of internet, exam pressure/anxiety, and so on. Parent and child sessions will take partipants through activites aimed at improving understanding and communication. Participants can send in specific queries in advance so these can be adequately addressed. People looking for individual consultation can contact Dr. Dubey directly (www.vanditadubey.com).

    Time & Cost

    Reach on June 14th. Relax. Walk. Soak in the fire. The next four days, learn and have fun. Leave on Sunday, June 18th by noon to board the Shatabdi train back to Delhi.

     

    Cost :

    Stay and food: INR 12000 per adult & 9000 per child (6-12 yrs). Kids below 5 are free but will not get individual beds.

    Workshop: INR 10,000 per person whether you choose writing /parenting.

     

    These prices are all-inclusive and there are no hidden costs, extras or taxes. All guests (workshop participants and non-participants) will be a part of all common activities like forest walks, barbecues, and picnics.

     

    This includes full board and stay (Twin sharing basis) at the lovely and highly rated Frozen Woods Resort, (http://www.frozenwoods.com ). The background picture is of the actual venue.

     

    Interested? Click "Apply now" below.

    Venue

    Frozen Woods, Village satkhol, District Nainital, (Near Mukteshwar), Uttarakhand .

     

    Fly to Delhi. Then take any of the following:

    Road : The retreat is approx. 9 hours drive from Delhi. The nearest big town is Mukteshwar (12 km from venue).

    Train : Train to Kathgodam, and cab it from there to Satoli (about 2.5 hrs / Rs. 1500).

    Air : 4 flights every week from Delhi to Pantnagar, and cab it to Satoli ( about 3.5 hr / Rs. 2500).

     

    Apply Now - click here

    To attend any of the Himalayan Writing Retreat events, please fill out the application form at http://www.chetanmahajan.com/hwr-registration-page.html

     

  • Himalayan Writing Weekend +, Kumaon

    July 22-25, 2017

    Writing is hard work, and learning is fun. At this retreat, expect both. You will get the tools to write better, create a schedule and get your book going.

    The facilitators are both published authors. However, they are a "work-in-progress", just like you. The retreat rests on the premise that excellence is in all of us. We analyze what we think is great writing, discuss it, attempt it.

     

    By day we learn by doing. Trying. Failing. Trying again. And getting better. We study the publishing Industry and understand how to tackle it. We may break off for a forest walk, and then regroup by the fire and exchange stories in the Himalayan Magnificence. By night we might work some more and hone our plot or dialogue.

    Time & Cost

    Reach anytime on Saturday, July 22 . Relax. Walk. Soak in the fire. The next three days, learn and have fun. Leave on Tuesday, July 25th by noon to board the Shatabdi train back to Delhi.

     

    Cost :

    Indian Attendees : Rs. 22,500

    International Attendees : USD 550

     

    This includes full board and stay (Twin sharing basis) at the premium Mountain Trail resort in Mukteshwar. (www.mountaintrail.com) No alcohol is served but those interested may bring their own. The above prices are all inclusive, and there are no hidden charges.

    Note : Single occupancy comes at an additional cost of INR 6000 / I00 USD.

     

    Interested? Click "Apply now" below.

    Venue & How to reach

    Mountain Trail resort (www.mountaintrail.com)

    Village Sargakhet, Mukteshwar, Uttarakhand, India.

    Ex-Delhi, take any of the following:

    Road : The retreat is approx. 9 hours drive from Delhi. the nearest big town is Mukteshwar (5 km from venue).

    Train : Train to Kathgodam, and cab it from there to Mountain Trail (about 2.5 hrs / Rs. 1500).

    Air : 4 flights every week from Delhi to Pantnagar, and cab it to Mountain trail ( about 3.5 hr / Rs. 2500).

     

     

    Apply Now - click here

    To attend any of the Himalayan Writing Retreat events, please fill out the application form at http://www.chetanmahajan.com/hwr-registration-page.html

  • Himalayan Writing Weekend+ Sojha

    August 31- September 3, 2017

    Writing is hard work, and learning is fun. At this retreat, expect both. You will get the tools to write better, create a schedule and get your book going.

    The facilitators are both published authors. However, they are a "work-in-progress", just like you. The retreat rests on the premise that excellence is in all of us. We analyse what we think is great writing, discuss it, attempt it.

     

    Daybreak maybe some yoga or meditation. By day we learn by doing. Trying. Failing. Trying again. And getting better. We analyse the Publishing Industry and understand how to tackle it. We may break off for a forest walk, and then regroup by the fire and exchange stories in the Himalayan Magnificence. By night we might work some more and hone our plot or characters or writing.

    Time & Cost

    Reach anytime on August 31st. Relax. Walk. Soak in the view. The next three days, learn and have fun. Leave on Sunday, September 3rd by lunchtime.

     

     

    Cost :

     

    Indian Attendees : Rs.22500

    International Attendees : USD 550

    This includes stay (Twin sharing basis) and food. No alcohol is served but those interested can bring their own. The above prices are all inclusive, and there are no hidden charges.

    To confirm your participation, please call +91-9717615666 or email chetanyum@hotmail.com. (Note : Single occupancy rooms can be arranged at a higher charge)

    Venue

    This Himalayan Writing Retreat is hosted at the Banjara Camps retreat, Sojha. You can learn more about the venue here .

    To reach, you can fly to Kulu or take the overnight Volvo bus from Delhi. If you self-drive you could come via both Shimla or Aut (near Kulu).

    From Shimla, Shoja is a 5 hour drive and from Aut (29 Km short of Kulu) it is under 2 hours drive.

    More detailed instructions are available here or call 97176-15666.

    Apply Now - Click here

    To attend any of the Himalayan Writing Retreat events, please fill out the application form at http://www.chetanmahajan.com/hwr-registration-page.html

     

  • Himalayan Blogging and Podcasting Retreat, Kumaon

    September 9-13, 2017

    This retreat is for first-timers as well as those already well along with their blog / Podcast. Blogging and Podcasting pose many questions. How does blogging/podcasting benefit you? Can they help further your career? Earn you money? How? How should you develop creative content for these? What are the best tools and technologies to set up your blog/ podcasts? Or how should you increase the reach and community of your existing blog / podcast? How should you market and build a following? How do you monetize?

    Led by Kiruba , a digital guru and Chetan, an avid blogger (see facilitator profiles) - this digs deep into the art and science of blogging and podcasting. By day, we seek knowledge and answers. In the evenings, we sit by the fire and exchange stories in the Himalayan Magnificence.

    At the end of the four days, newbies will be ready-to-go with their blog/podcast fully set up, and those already blogging will be on the growth path. If interested, click "Apply now" below.

    Time & Cost

    Reach anytime on Saturday, September 9th. Relax. Walk. Soak in the fire. The next four days, learn and have fun. Leave on Wednesday, Sep 13th by noon to board the Shatabdi train back to Delhi.

     

    Cost :

    Indian Attendees : Rs. 27,000

    International Attendees : USD 750

     

    This includes full board and stay (Twin sharing basis) at a premium resort around Mukteshwar. No alcohol is served but those interested may bring their own. The above prices are all inclusive, and there are no hidden charges.

    Note : Single occupancy can be arranged at an extra charge.

     

    Interested? Click "Apply now" below.

    Venue & How to reach

    Village Satoli, District Nainital, Uttarakhand, India.

    Fly to Delhi. Then take any of the following:

    Road : The retreat is approx. 9 hours drive from Delhi. the nearest big town is Mukteshwar (12 km from venue).

    Train : Train to Kathgodam, and cab it from there to Satoli (about 2.5 hrs / Rs. 1500).

    Air : 4 flights every week from Delhi to Pantnagar, and cab it to Satoli ( about 3.5 hr / Rs. 2500).

     

     

    Apply Now - click here

    To attend any of the Himalayan Writing Retreat events, please fill out the application form at http://www.chetanmahajan.com/hwr-registration-page.html

  • Himalayan Writers' Retreat - Fall, Kumaon

    October 1-8, 2017 (add 3 nights optional)

    All professional writers talk about working hours and the discipline of writing, but there is something to be said for inspiration. It often comes from the right ambience, right company, and nature. Inspiration is what the Himalayan Writing retreat is about.

    This inspiration can come from our award winning visiting facilitators. It could come from Dr. Dubey our resident psychologist helping us focus and getting our creative juices flowing with techniques like mindfulness.

     

    The idea is to have rich, engaging interactions that make your writing better while still leaving you with ample time for your own writing. . We have sessions discussing various aspects of writing. We will seek inspiration from Twain, Martel, Fitzgerald & co. Bonfires and forest walks help. We hope this retreat will help you make good progress with your writing, and get you a breakthrough if that is what you seek.

    Time & Cost

    Reach by 3 PM or earlier on October 1. Relax, walk. Soak in the fire. The next seven days, write, find inspiration and have fun. Leave Sunday October 8th by noon to board the Shatabdi / drive back in time. Or stay on for another 3 days and leave on October 11.

     

    Cost :

     

    Indian Attendees : Rs. 49,000 (65,000 for 10 days)

    International Attendees : USD 1350 (1750 for 10 days)

     

    This includes full board and stay (single occupancy).

    Participation is restricted to 10. No alcohol is served but those interested may bring their own. The above prices are all inclusive, and there are no hidden charges.

     

     

    Interested? Click "Apply now" below.

     

     

    Venue & how to reach

    Village Satkhol, District Nainital, Uttarakhand, India.

     

    Fly to Delhi. Then take any of the following:

    Road : The retreat is approx. 9 hours drive from Delhi. the nearest big town is Mukteshwar (12 km from venue).

    Train : Train to Kathgodam, and cab it from there to Satkhol (about 2.5 hrs / Rs. 1800).

    Air : 4 flights every week from Delhi to Pantnagar, and cab it to Satkhol ( about 3.5 hr / Rs. 3000).

    Apply Now - click here

    To attend any of the Himalayan Writing Retreats, please fill out the application form at http://www.chetanmahajan.com/hwr-registration-page.html

     

  • Himalayan Writing Weekend +, Binsar

    November 8-12, 2017

    Writing is hard work, and learning is fun. At this retreat, expect both. You will get the tools to write better, create a schedule and get your book going.

    The facilitators are both published authors. However, they are a "work-in-progress", just like you. The retreat rests on the premise that excellence is in all of us. We analyze what we think is great writing, discuss it, attempt it.

     

    Daybreak maybe some yoga or meditation. By day we learn by doing. Trying. Failing. Trying again. And getting better. We analyze the publishing Industry and understand how to tackle it. We may break off for a forest walk and then regroup by the fire and exchange stories in the Himalayan Magnificence. By night we might work some more and hone our plot or characters or writing.

    Time & Cost

    Reach anytime on Thursday, November 2 . Relax. Walk. Soak in the fire. The next three days, learn and have fun. Leave on Sunday November 5, by 10 AM to board the Shatabdi train back to Delhi.

     

    Cost :

    Indian Attendees : Rs. 24,500

    International Attendees : USD 600

     

    This includes full board and stay (Twin sharing basis) at the amazing www.binsarforestretreat.com (pictured here). No alcohol is served but those interested may bring their own. The above prices are all inclusive, and there are no hidden charges.

    Note : Single occupancy can be arranged at an extra charge.

     

    Interested? Click "Apply now" below.

    Venue & How to reach

    Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, Dist. Almora, Uttarakhand – 263601, India

    Fly to Delhi. Then take any of the following:

    Road : The retreat is approx. 10 hours drive from Delhi. the nearest big town is Almora.

    Train : Train to Kathgodam, and cab it from there to Binsar (about 4 hrs / Rs. 3500, often shared by Participants).

    Air : 4 flights every week from Delhi to Pantnagar, and cab it to Binsar ( about 5 hr / Rs. 5000).

     

     

    Apply Now - click here

    To attend any of the Himalayan Writing Retreat events, please fill out the application form at http://www.chetanmahajan.com/hwr-registration-page.html

  • Facilitators

    Writers who help writers

    Manu Joseph

    Award-winning author, visiting Facilitator

    Manu Joseph is a novelist and a journalist. His widely acclaimed novels, 'Serious Men' and 'The Illicit Happiness of Other People' have been translated into many languages. He is the winner of The Hindu Literature Prize and The American Pen Book Award among other honors. He is a former columnist for The International New York Times and is presently a columnist for The Mint. He also co-wrote the Hindi film, 'Love Kichdi'. Manu lives in the Delhi NCR and will co-host the October Writing Retreat.

    Mariam Karim Ahlawat

    Playwright, Author, visiting Facilitator

    Novelist, playwright and children’s writer Mariam Karim was educated at JNU, New Delhi, and the Sorbonne in Paris. Some of her works are:

    • My Little Boat (Novel, Penguin India 2003) (Vitasta 2009) (nominated for the IMPAC international Literary Award 2005)
    • The Street of Mists (Novel, Vitasta 2009). (Longlist Man Asian 2009
    • The Betrayal of Selvamary (play, shortlist Hindu Metroplus Playwrights Award 2010)
    • The Undoing (play, longlist Hindu Metroplus Playwrights Award 2011)
    • A Bagful of Dreams (play)

    Mariam's many children's books include Tales Old and New, Putul and the Dolphins, The King and the Kiang, Gulla and the Hangul and the latest children's fable The house of a hundred stories.

    Chetan Mahajan

    Author, Blogger, Resident Facilitator

    Chetan is a full-time author, writing coach and Himalayan resident. He hosted a writing workshop at the Noir Literature festival earlier this year. Penguin published his first book "The Bad Boys of Bokaro Jail" in 2014. He is working on his next book and also blogs at https://uncityblog.wordpress.com/. You can learn more about him at http://www.chetanmahajan.com/ . He was educated at Panjab University, India and at Northwestern University, USA.

    Dr. Vandita Dubey

    Author, Resident Psychologist and Facilitator

    Author Vandita Dubey was educated at TISS, Mumbai and also at the Illinois School of Professional Psychology. A US-licensed clinical psychologist and author of "Parenting in the age of sexpusure", Dr. Dubey brings a deep understanding of writing and the human mind to our retreats. She also speaks often at various institutions such as the british school You can learn more about her at http://vanditadubey.com/about-me/

    Renu Sharma

    Facilitator

    Renu was the former head of English content, pedagogy and training team for North and North-east India at Pratham, probably India’s most respected Education NGO. She has been working on various projects and research initiatives in rural India and has developed a plethora of contextual content and interactive methodologies to enrich the language experience of children and young adults. Renu earned her Masters in Education from Melbourne and has taught in public schools in the state of Victoria, Australia. She started her career as a sub-editor for Macmillian India Ltd. Renu lives in the Kumaon Himalayas and will co-host the kids writing workshop as part of the Himalayan Fun Family Retreat.

    Kiruba Shankar

    Author, Blogger, Podcaster, Digital guru

    The Himalayan Blogging and Podcasting Retreat is co-hosted by Kiruba Shankar. Kiruba is a Social Media entrepreneur, Professor of Digital Marketing, author of 5 books, Podcaster and an organic farmer. You can learn more about him at http://www.kiruba.com/ .

     

    Roy Abraham

    Award-winning copywriter, visiting Facilitator

    An Adman, his 16 years of writing advertisements have won him much recognition including 12 Abbys, 2 Effies and a reputation for ‘longhand’. Chiselling and crafting the language to say something persuasive and engaging – that too with the sword of a deadline hanging on his head -is the fine art he thrives on. Roy lives in Mumbai and on occasion flies in to aid in HWR events.

  • Gallery

    Photos & videos from HWR events.

  • Our Partners

    Writers Melon

    The leading community of book-lovers, authors and bloggers

    Writersmelon is our outreach partner for all our retreats

    IndiBlogger

    Home of the Indian Blogger

    An award winning community of Indian Bloggers

  • Waxing Eloquent

    Nice stuff people say about the Himalayan Writing retreat.

    Matthew Wheelock

    A Brit in India

    "The course has given me not only the motivation to start my book, but also the structure and process. A very worthwhile 3 days spent in the company of charming fellow budding authors."

    Dipti Ranjan

    (Picture with Jenn)

    "The mountain of finishing my book seems smaller. I am using the tips and practical tools already. Working with fellow writers makes me part of something bigger. The long forest walks and warm fireside chats are etched in me. If writing has a home, this is it.”

    Jennifer Harper

    (Picture with Roy)

    "I've long dreamt of writing a book and the HWR was the catalyst for turning that dream into a reality."

    Anuj Arora

    Aspiring political satirist

    "Informed and informative instructors, inspirational participants, jungle walks, evenings by bonfire. What more can you ask for?"

  • Contact Us

    Instagram

    Himalayanwriting

    email

    chetanyum@hotmail.com

    Call

    +91-9717615666

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