About This Retreat
A colonial-era forest rest house on the banks of the Uhl River. Trout fishing in waters so clear you can count the stones on the riverbed. Pine forests so quiet you can hear your own breathing.
Barot Valley is one of the last unhyped valleys in Himachal Pradesh - built around the century-old Shanan Hydel Project, a British-era hydroelectric channel that now doubles as the most scenic walking path in the valley.
This is a solitude retreat - not clinically facilitated, but designed in consultation with Aishani Paul to create the conditions for genuine rest. Days are unstructured: fish, read, sketch, walk the old British-era aqueduct trail, or simply sit on the veranda watching the Uhl River flow past.
Evenings include a bonfire and unhurried conversation. No group activities unless you want them. Limited to 8 people.
Your Facilitator
Self-guided (designed with Aishani Paul)
This retreat's structure was designed in consultation with Aishani Paul, RCI-licensed clinical psychologist, to create optimal conditions for rest and self-directed recovery. While Aishani does not facilitate this retreat in person, her framework for intentional solitude informs the daily rhythm.
Day-by-Day Schedule
Arrival & Settling In
Arrive at the Barot forest rest house by afternoon. The Uhl River is 30 metres from your door. Walk along the riverbank. Evening bonfire and introductions over chai. Dinner of local rajma, rice, and seasonal greens.
The Aqueduct Walk
Morning walk along the century-old Shanan Hydel aqueduct - a flat, tree-lined path following the water channel through pine and deodar forest. 6km return. Afternoon: free time - read, fish, or nap on the veranda. Evening bonfire.
Trout Fishing & River Day
Morning trout fishing in the Uhl River with local guidance - catch-and-cook if you're lucky. Afternoon by the river with packed lunch. Walk to the old British-era dam. Evening: your trout (or the backup dal) for dinner.
Village Walk or Rest
Optional morning walk to nearby Barot village - meet local families, see the old wooden houses, walk through terraced farms. Or stay at the rest house. Afternoon completely free. Final bonfire evening.
Departure
Morning by the Uhl. Breakfast. Depart by noon. Transfer to Jogindernagar or Mandi.
What's Included
- All meals (local Himachali + fresh trout)
- 5 nights in forest rest house
- Fishing equipment and permits
- Guided walk along the Shanan aqueduct
- Bonfire evenings
- All local transport within the valley
What's Not Included
- Travel to/from Jogindernagar or Mandi
- Personal expenses
- Travel insurance
- Alcohol
Founder's Note
Barot is my personal retreat. When I need to disappear for a few days, this is where I go. The forest rest house is from the British era - built for engineers working on the Shanan Hydel Project in the 1920s. It's basic, beautiful, and directly on the river.
I asked Aishani to help me design the rhythm of this retreat - even though she doesn't facilitate it in person. Her advice was simple: 'Remove every reason for people to perform. No group activities. No sharing circles. Just let them be.' That's what this is.
— Uddip, Founder
Interested in this retreat?
Retreat batches are small and fill quickly. Reach out to express interest and we'll share dates, availability, and next steps.