Himalayan Baithak – A 3-Day Music, Culture & Slow Living Retreat
Nainital, India
Dates & Duration
20 Nov - 22 Nov 2026
3 Days / 2 Nights
Retreat Type
Music
Level
any level
About This Retreat
The Himalayan Baithak at Soulitude by the Riverside is an immersive, slow-living cultural escape designed for the conscious traveler. Set against the soothing murmur of a glacial river, this curated weekend brings together heritage luxury hospitality, authentic mountain cuisine, and rare musical traditions in a pristine mountain valley.
The heart of the retreat is the Baithak—an intimate, traditional salon-style gathering under a striking glass roof. Stripping away the distance of a concert stage, guests sit face-to-face with master musicians for an evening of deep listening, storytelling, and pure acoustic connection.
Led by harmonium virtuoso Sarvjeet Tamta, this season features a brilliant dual-narrative musical lineup. Experience the transcendent, ecstatic power of Sufi Qawwali with Rehmat-e-Nusrat as they perform timeless compositions by Amir Khusro, Bulleh Shah, and Kabir. Alongside the qawwalis, enjoy the soulful regional mountain melodies of Himali Mou (meaning Himalayan Honey), celebrating the rich, organic Kumaoni folk traditions of the hills.
Retreat Highlights
Intimate Glass-Roof Baithaks – Sit face-to-face with master musicians in exclusive, unamplified acoustic performances and cozy bonfire music sessions beneath a stunning glass roof.
Sufi & Kumaoni Folk Lineup :Deeply engage with soul-stirring Qawwals Rehmat-e-Nusrat and regional mountain heritage—including Jhora and Chapeli styles—by Himali Mou.
Interactive Flute : Participate in a flute workshop with Sarvjeet Tamta.
Culinary Workshop with the Artist :Join an exclusive Kumaoni Cuisine Workshop led by lead singer Sarvjeet Tamta, mastering the traditional bhunao (slow-roasting) method for mountain mutton and indigenous Gahat ki Daal(horse gram) tempered with rare Himalayan herbs like Jambu and Gandhraini.
Luxury Riverside Slow Living Unplug and rejuvenate at Soulitude, where seven unique boutique rooms meet the gentle murmur of a glacial river, complete with traditional chai served in kulhads, evening high teas, and leisure time.
Conscious & Sustainable Travel : Directly support an Amarrass Records fair-trade music ecosystem that provides sustainable livelihoods to indigenous artists and preserves endangered oral legacies.
Retreat Program
Day 1 - Arrival & Welcome Baithak
Arrive at Jhoolapul, where porters take over your heavy bags for the scenic 20-minute descent into the Kalsa River valley. Check into Soulitude by the Riverside, a top-rated eco-luxury property tucked away in Chanfi near Bhimtal. Take time to unwind to the natural sounds of the flowing river.
At 17:00 hrs (5:00 PM), gather for the official welcome to meet the master artists of Rehmat-e-Nusrat and Himalali Mou. This opening 4-hour evening experience takes you from check-in through to the final bite of dinner. Enjoy hot chai served in traditional kulhads alongside fresh, crispy pakodas and mint chutney. This informal welcome session is all about connecting directly with the musicians, listening to the stories behind their rare instruments, and exploring the deep spiritual legacy of the qawwalis you will experience over the weekend.
Day 2 - Nature, Music & Cultural Immersion
Start the morning with a guided nature trek through the pristine valley to the waters of Pari Tal, featuring an interactive bamboo flute session with frontman Sarvjeet Tamta.
At 12:00 noon, right after your return from the Pari Tal trek and just before lunch, gather by the riverside for a special daytime performance by Himali Mou. Experience their raw, traditional pahadi music centered around workingman lyrics and everyday mountain life, brought to life through acoustic flute and dafli melodies.
After a relaxing lunch, gather again at 15:00 hrs (3:00 PM) for the hands-on Kumaoni Cuisine Workshop led by Sarvjeet. Learn the secrets of traditional mountain cooking, mastering the patient bhunao (slow-roasting) method for Kumaoni Mutton alongside slow-cooked Gahat ki Daal tempered with rare valley herbs. This full-day immersive journey builds toward the evening when you take your seat under the striking glass roof by the bonfire for the main highlight—the powerful, unamplified salon-style Sufi Qawwali Baithak by Rehmat-e-Nusrat.
Day 3 - Departure with Memories
Breakfast, checkout, and take back memories of local music, culture, and a peaceful stay. Return home with unforgettable experiences.
Stay Info
Venue: Soulitude by the Riverside
Address: Near Kalsa River, Chanfi, Nainital District, Uttarakhand, Suigarh, Bhimtaal.
Town: Village Chanfi, • City: Nainital, India
The Soulitude Experience X Himalayan Baithak
Each of the seven rooms at Soulitude by the Riverside is entirely unique, bound together by the rustic-chic decor, luxury comforts, and the soothing, all-pervasive murmur of the glacial river flowing right through the retreat. The warm, inviting interiors are designed to be a treat for the eyes and a cocoon for the soul.
Guests can book individual rooms or reserve independent multi-room clusters (Cottages and the Village Home) for larger families or groups.
Individual Room Categories
Suites
Premium, spacious rooms offering private outdoor spaces and direct river views.
Prafful * Max Occupancy: 2 Adults + 2 Extra Guests
Key Features: Private balcony, direct river views
Mukta * Max Occupancy: 2 Adults + 2 Extra Guests
Key Features: Private balcony, direct river views
Junior Suites
Elegant rooms featuring immersive nature experiences and unique architectural elements.
Poorna * Max Occupancy: 2 Adults + 1 Extra Guest
Key Features: Garden access, signature inside-outside bathroom
Yukta * Max Occupancy: 2 Adults + 1 Extra Guest
Key Features: Garden access, signature inside-outside bathroom
Deluxe Double Rooms
Cozy, beautifully designed rooms located within the traditional Village Home framework.
Shant * Max Occupancy: 2 Adults + 1 Extra Guest
Key Features: Located in the Village Home, natural skylight
Sahaj * Max Occupancy: 2 Adults + 1 Extra Guest
Key Features: Located in the Village Home, natural skylight
Sum * Max Occupancy: 2 Adults + 1 Extra Guest
Key Features: Located in the Village Home, natural skylight
Multi-Room Configurations & Independent Units
For groups wanting shared spaces, the seven rooms combine into the following independent options:
Cottage A
A two-bedroom combination blending garden serenity with river views.
Comprises: Poorna (Junior Suite) + Prafful (Suite)
Max Occupancy: 4 Adults + 3 Extra Guests
Key Features: Garden access, private balcony, river views, inside-outside bathroom
Cottage B
A two-bedroom combination offering the perfect balance of nature and luxury.
Comprises: Yukta (Junior Suite) + Mukta (Suite)
Max Occupancy: 4 Adults + 3 Extra Guests
Key Features: Garden access, private balcony, river views, inside-outside bathroom
The Village Home
An independent three-bedroom cluster ideal for larger groups or families traveling together.
Comprises: Shant + Sahaj + Sum (All Deluxe Double Rooms)
Max Occupancy: 6 Adults + 3 Extra Guests
Key Features: Full privacy, traditional village-style architecture, beautiful natural skylights in every room
FAQs
Information
Riverside Access Trek : Reaching the retreat requires a scenic 20-minute walk from Jhoolapul. Porters are provided at the meeting point to handle all heavy luggage.
Strictly Limited Stay: Only seven unique boutique rooms are available, ensuring the salon-style performances remain deeply personal, exclusive, and interactive.
Warm Clothes Needed : Evening sessions take place outdoors by the bonfire or under the glass roof. Temperatures drop drastically after sunset. You must pack heavy winter jackets, warm sweaters, thermals, and sturdy walking shoes.
Immersive Slow Travel : A mindful, unplugged escape centered on deep listening, heritage cuisine, and nature rather than a conventional, checklist-based holiday.
Fair-Trade Ecosystem : Every booking directly supports the Amarrass Records network, funding sustainable livelihoods for indigenous Himalayan and Sufi artists.
Who can participate
Open to All Music & Nature Lovers: This experience is perfect for solo travelers couples families and groups looking for a peaceful cultural getaway. A Good Fitness Level Helps: Reaching the retreat requires a scenic 20-minute walk from the main road down to the river valley. You should be comfortable walking on simple mountain paths. Best for Conscious Travelers: This tour is designed for people who appreciate slow living heritage music and local food rather than standard tourist sightseeing.
Pick up point
Jhoola Pul
https://goo.gl/maps/rGo9SF1tdk62
How to reach property
The primary road landmark. From Bhimtal, you must take a U-turn at this gate and head towards Padampuri. , Chanfi, Uttarakhand
(During rainy season) From Bhimtal take U-turn at Khutani Gate towards Padampuri for about 8 km until you cross the 6 km to Padampuri milestone. Drive slowly for about 500 meters until you see the Soulitude sign on the left. This is the meeting point with Soulitude staff
Know Before You Book
- English
- Hindi
- Guests cancelling 60 or more days before the retreat starts will receive a 100% refund.
- Guests cancelling between 30 and 59 days before the retreat starts will receive a 50% refund.
- No refund will be issued for cancellations made less than 30 days before the retreat starts.
Starting from ₹56,000 per Person