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1. Jabarkhet Hike & Birdwatching (Starting from Rs 1800)

Hike through and explore the beautiful protected forest of Jabarkhet with our Jabarkhet Hike and Birdwatching experience. Led by expert guides, you will gain knowledge about the rich flora and fauna thriving in the area owing to the Jabarkhet Nature Reserve's sustained conservation practices. The Jabarkhet forest is an excellent example of the restoration of natural beauty through concerted efforts, as will be explained by the guides to the guests. The hike is a great opportunity to see wildlife up close in their element through camera traps set up in the forest. The camera traps capture images of the animals inhabiting the area, such as leopards, barking deer, Himalayan black bears, etc. As you traverse the forest, the guides will help you identify the various species of birds that call it home, making it the ideal activity for birding enthusiasts and experts alike. 

The hiking trail crosses a viewpoint from where the awe-inspiring higher Himalayas are visible on clear days. The pristine natural beauty of the forest and the stunning views of the Himalayas make this an unforgettable experience. Nature lovers, adventure enthusiasts, and anyone curious about the conservation efforts in the region will benefit from this experience. The rewarding experience will conclude with a hearty picnic spread, including some well-deserved chai. The resting point is equipped with basic toilet facilities for your convenience. Come and join us for an unforgettable experience in the great outdoors that will leave you with a deep appreciation for the natural world and the efforts being made to protect and conserve it. 

Points to consider:

• Kindly wear sturdy footwear with adequate support, protection, and traction for your feet. Hiking appropriate footwear is necessary to have a safe experience. Avoid open/light/restrictive footwear.
• Guests may carry a day bag, sunscreen, hat/cap, camera, and a pair of sunglasses (if needed).
• It is recommended to wear darker shades of clothing that blend well with the natural surroundings. Guests are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing that does not restrict movement, for example, activewear or hiking/trekking clothing. 
• It is recommended to bring reusable water bottles along as filtered (R.O.) water will be provided. This is to reduce plastic waste. 

Duration of Experience: Approx. 3 hours (including transfer to and from Jabarkhet, the hike, and refreshments; duration may vary slightly due to the capability of the hikers)

Hike’s Difficulty Level: Beginner

Inclusions:

• Transfers to and fro 
• Refreshments (provided by LaRiSa and served at the end of the hike)
• Water
• Professional Guide
• Entry & Camera charges
• Basic First Aid
• Basic Binoculars
• Entry Tickets

Note: Please let the staff at LaRiSa know about your plans a day before you intend to join the hike. This is because the Jabarkhet Nature Reserve is a private estate and allows only a certain number of visitors entry per day, in line with their conservation efforts in the protected area. Furthermore, the Nature Reserve has a limited number of professional guides available on any given day. In the event of their professional guide's unavailability, our Experience Representative is trained and equipped to lead the hike.

2. Village visit & Hike (Starting from Rs 1250)

Immerse yourself in the local culture and get a taste of life in the mountains by visiting the village of Bichli-Kaplani with us. Nestled in the majestic Himalayas and surrounded by lush greenery, Bichli-Kaplani is an oasis of serenity divorced from the hustle and bustle of city life. The village is a 20-minute downhill hike away from the property, but one must remember that what goes down must come up! As you venture toward the charming countryside, you will be accompanied by a local guide. Our guides have a penchant for telling captivating stories and are known for their warm demeanours, as you will soon discover. 

During your visit, you can interact with the locals and learn about their way of life. You will get a chance to visit a local home to sample chai cooked on a chulha (a traditional stove made of mud) for an authentic Pahadi Experience. Meeting the families living in the village and getting a glimpse of their unfiltered daily life is a unique opportunity that offers a rare insight into the local culture and traditions. Be sure to take a look inside the traditional mud houses for the stories they tell and the barn where the village’s livestock is housed, including cows and goats. The village has breathtaking views of the Himalayas, which make the perfect backdrop for capturing beautiful memories, and photographs, together. Feel free to walk around the tranquil village and engage with the locals to your heart's content. The people of the village will be the highlight of your visit, interactions with them are sure to leave you with newfound appreciation and respect for their way of life. Come and join us on this experience of a lifetime!

Points to consider:

• Kindly wear sturdy footwear with adequate support, protection, and traction for your feet. Hiking appropriate footwear is necessary to have a safe experience. Avoid open/light/restrictive footwear.
• Guests may carry a day bag, sunscreen, hat/cap, camera, and a pair of sunglasses (if needed).
• Guests are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing that does not restrict movement, for example, activewear or hiking/trekking clothing. 
• It is recommended to bring reusable water bottles along as filtered (R.O.) water will be provided. This is to reduce plastic waste. 

Duration of Experience: Approx. 3 hours (including the hike to and from the village, interaction with the locals, chai at a local home, and refreshments; duration may vary slightly due to the capability of the hikers)

Hike’s Difficulty Level: Beginner to Medium (the trail is a bit steep at a couple of points)

Inclusions:

• Chai at the Village
• Refreshments (provided by LaRiSa and served upon reaching the village)
• Water
• Professional Guide
• Basic First Aid

3. Village visit by Car (Starting from Rs 1400)

This tour is the perfect opportunity to explore the mesmerizing beauty of the mountains! Experience the local culture and take in the charm of rural life as you visit the village of Masrana, nestled in the magnificent Himalayas. Our local guide will accompany you on this incredible journey, providing insights into the history and traditions of the area along the way. This visit will allow you to interact with the locals and learn about their daily routines and practices. You will visit a local home to relish a cup of chai made the traditional way, with a loving heart and a chulha (a stove made of mud). The mountains are famed for their warm hospitality and this visit gives you a chance to experience both with the most beautiful of views.

Step into the humble mud houses and be transported to a simpler time. Also take some time to see the village barn, which houses livestock such as cows and goats, and displays the intimate bond between people and animals. The village is a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of the community that keeps it thriving. As you stroll through the village and gaze upon the breathtaking Himalayas your perspective shifts and your horizons broaden, making it an unforgettable and transformative experience. 

Your curiosity and genuine efforts to learn about the local customs and traditions will go a long way in befriending the people of the village. Our local guide will be happy to step in and facilitate a better understanding of the area's history, culture, and way of life. The enriching experience will leave you with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the joys of rural life in the mountains, along with its trials and tribulations. Come and join us for an experience to be cherished forever! 

Points to consider:

• This experience is a great option for guests who want to explore the countryside but are unable to hike.
• Guests may carry a day bag, sunscreen, hat/cap, camera, and a pair of sunglasses (if needed).
• Guests are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing that does not restrict movement, for example, activewear or hiking/trekking clothing. 
• It is recommended to bring reusable water bottles along as filtered (R.O.) water will be provided. This is to reduce plastic waste.

Duration of Experience: Approx. 2.5 hours (including transfer to and from the village, interaction with the locals, chai at a local home, and refreshments; duration is extendable by 45 minutes, upon request)

Inclusions:

• Transfers to and fro
• Chai at the Village
• Refreshments (provided by LaRiSa and served at the village)
• Water
• Professional Guide
• Basic First Aid

4. Nature Walk & Picnic (Starting from Rs 1450)

This experience takes you to the verdant forests near Masrana, a village close to Mussoorie. Our experienced local guides are well-versed in the flora and fauna of the area and will be happy to educate you along the way. This beautiful trail will help you connect with nature and the lives it sustains within the forest. The nature walk will proceed at a leisurely pace by design so that everyone slows down to enjoy the great outdoors in the best way possible, consciously. The objective of the walk is to take the guests through the forest, delighting in its beauty and charm in an unhurried manner. 

The forest is home to many species of birds, some of which you may come across on the walk. Our local guides will help you spot the birds and learn about them and their habitat. The walk is a great opportunity to educate oneself about the native ecosystem, its ecological balance, and the importance of habitat conservation. Halfway through the trail, we'll stop at a stunning spot to enjoy a picnic with breathtaking views and a delicious spread. The picnic spot is a treat for the eyes and the soul with its picturesque environs and serene ambiance. The entire experience is enchanting and transformative, leaving you intimately connected to nature. 

A day full of crisp mountain air and sounds of rustling leaves reminiscent of ocean waves is a day well spent. The walk will leave you rejuvenated and enthused about the next trail to conquer! Our local guides are experts at igniting one's interest in the natural beauty of the area with their wealth of information and amazing storytelling. We love to see our guests return to the resort with a renewed appreciation for the wonders of nature. Come and join us on this nature walk for an insightful adventure!

Points to consider:

• Guests may carry sunscreen, a hat/cap, a camera, and a pair of sunglasses (if needed).
• It is recommended to wear darker shades of clothing that blend well with the natural surroundings. Guests are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing that does not restrict movement, for example, activewear or hiking/trekking clothing. 
• It is recommended to bring reusable water bottles along as filtered (R.O.) water will be provided. This is to reduce plastic waste.

Duration of Experience: Approx. 4 hours (including transfer to and from the forest trail’s starting point, the Nature Walk, picnic, and refreshments) 

Walk’s Difficulty Level: Easy (can be done by amateurs)

Inclusions:

• Transfers to and fro
• Refreshments (provided by LaRiSa and served halfway through the experience)
• Picnic Set-up and Spread
• Water
• Professional Guide
• Basic First Aid