RESERVE

The Slow Mountain Life: Excursions at Amaya

At Amaya, we believe in the beauty of slowing down. Nestled in the heart of the eastern Himalayas, our retreat is not just a destination—it is an invitation to reconnect with nature, with others, and with yourself. We offer several carefully curated experiences and excursions that reflect the rhythm of the mountains, where life unfolds gently and quietly.

Our terraces are home to clusters of glistening berries, crisp pea shoots, and seasonal produce that we grow with care and love. Walking through our farms with our expert horticulturist is an experience that engages all your senses. Taste the pure sweetness of fruits picked straight from the vine, and hear the story behind our sustainable growing practices and our zero-waste philosophy. These quiet moments in the terraces and orchards remind us of the simple luxuries of mountain life—herbs and fruits and vegetables grown in the clean mountain air.

In the early hours of the day, we invite you to join us on a quiet 20-minute walk through the morning mist. After a 20-minute walk through the early twilight mist, you’ll find waiting for you a steaming pot of tea or coffee, freshly baked artisanal bread, and an eastern Himalayan sky blessed with the first glimmers of the morning sun.

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Neighbouring our retreat is the village of Darwa. Take a leisurely stroll through it with us and share stories with the locals over a pot of tea. Witness how every brick of every house reflects untold years of craft and tradition. Discover the symbiotic relationship between Amaya and Darwa – how we enrich not only each other’s lives, but the land shared by our communities. Enjoy the warm and friendly mountain hospitality that arrives naturally when people live close to the land and to one another.

Our guided walks take you to our favourite picturesque spots. Embark on a two hour guided walking tour through the pine forest to a beautiful picnic spot beside the River Gamber. We’ve carefully selected several rest stops on your journey. Enjoy a picnic spread with hot butter rum while the sound of the running stream soothes all your cares away.

As the day fades, we’ll guide you to one of our favourite hidden spots to watch the sunset. With a carefully prepared picnic or high tea, you’ll sit back, relax, and let the beauty of the setting sun wash over you. There’s no rush—just the quiet hum of the hills as darkness gently settles across the landscape. Or, for something more communal, you’re welcome to join us for movie nights. Ward off the chill of the evening with blankets and warm drinks. Stars begin to twinkle above you as the end credits roll.

We’re happy to offer intimate bonfire retreats outside your villa or by our pool, perfect for stargazing and unwinding on crisp mountain nights. The soft crackle of wood, the stillness of the evening, and the vast sky above. Enjoy a space for reflection, for connection, for being present in the moment. We’ll provide everything you need, including the option to enjoy food and drinks as you relax by the glow of the flames.

Our chefs at Amaya Labs love creating dishes that celebrate the land and its bounty. Our Himachali Dham is a lavish feast steeped in the history and oral traditions of a myriad Himachali communities. Every dham dish is integrated within its local context, and every district in Himachal Pradesh features its own variations on the tradition. Ours is no different: each of the eight to ten courses in the Amaya dham is locally sourced, farm fresh, modern in culinary sensibility, and utterly delicious.

For something more intimate, try a candle-lit dining experience. With elegant candle arrangements and the care of a dedicated butler, enjoy a bespoke meal on the deck beside your villa or by the pool, candlelight dancing across the water’s smooth surface.

Each of the Amaya excursions is a little invitation into our way of life. Whether you’re walking through our terraces, sitting by the river, or watching the sky shift with the rising or setting sun, you’ll find a deeper connection to mountain life, to its rhythms, and to yourself. These mountain excursions of ours remind us to live mindfully and to embrace the quiet beauty of the world around us.