Stay in a lovingly curated heritage cottage in the exclusive Landour neighbourhood of Mussoorie waking up to stunning views of the surrounding Himalayan foothills. Art-making opportunities among the surrounding oak, deodar and rhododendron forests, and solitary explorations of myriad hillside paths offer unique opportunities to connect to nature and a deeper sense of your self. A five minute walk to the top of the hill rewards you with glimpses of the everlasting snows. Early morning strolls around the Chukkar brings you to massive deodar trees, heritage structures, and local chai shops. A 15-20 minute walk along the hillside takes you to the Jabarkhet Nature Reserve, a 100 acre conservation project with remarkable biodiversity of flora and fauna.

With a limit of 9 participants per retreat, we are committed to providing a personalized experience that meets you where you are at, fostering the right balance between time for yourself and connection with others. Once selected we will take time to understand your interests and needs which will help shape the retreat experience accordingly.

A carefully designed program balances daily ‘time for yourself’ with intentional time to interact with your remarkable surroundings and fellow participants. Each day begins with time spent alone in reflection and meditation, whether sitting on the terrace taking in the view or walking down a forest path to recalibrate heart and mind. The rest of the day brings a new set of activities such as curated nature walks, a Land Art project in the forest, mini workshops on art or the Himalayas, and daily studio time for the individual Creative Project. Each day’s activities close with Chai Time where participants regroup to share insights gained or simply to reconnect. Participants may choose their level of engagement in group activities but will find that the combination of curated activities and time to oneself brings a balance of outer and inner rejuvenation.

The sum is always bigger than the parts. Along with time on your own, group activities will deepen connections and creativity. Each day presents opportunities that foster creative engagement with fellow participants and the surrounding environment. Based on the interests of participants selected each retreat is tailor-made to include a series of art workshops and sessions with experts to learn more about the Himalayan context. Whether you are trying out landscape painting for the first time, honing photography skills, or learning about Himalayan biodiversity you will experience personal growth.

A distinctive feature of the ‘Mountain Retreat’ is the Creative Project. This is an individual project each participant will develop over the course of the retreat. The Creative Project can take on any shape or form with the simple goal being that it is a personal creative expression, whether a response to the surrounding nature, a reflection of your internal personal journey, or the nurturing of a new project. It can take the form of a poem, a painting, a series of journal entries, a song, a series of photos, the outlines of a new creative idea at work, a performative dance–anything that expresses something of who you are, the journey you are on, or the place you are at—whether literally or metaphorically. Each day ‘Studio Time’ is set apart to give you time to develop your creative project. A retreat mentor is available to help guide you individually through the process and you are free to invite the inputs of fellow participants as much or as little as you choose. The emphasis for the Creative Project is on process and personal growth and not on product. However on the final day the retreat will be capped by an exhibition of Creative Projects and a time of sharing to value and appreciate the outcomes.

Each cohort of participants are on a shared journey that begins with your arrival in Mussoorie. Participants are carefully selected from a pool of applicants to create a balance that matches diverse creative professions and interests with similar expectations and outlooks on life. We have found one of the most transformative aspects of these experiences are the bonds that form and last beyond each event. Art for Change fosters and facilitates the on-going connections between participants in each cohort.

You are in good hands. Art for Change builds on 18 years of experience running workshops and artist residencies for young professional visual artists from across India and numerous other nations. We bring a wealth of experience creating transformative events that tap into our human need for community, creativity, and purpose. Based on the testimonies of those who have journeyed with us we expect you to leave the retreat grounded, refreshed, connected, and with a renewed sense of purpose for work and life.

The Mountain Retreat in Mussoorie takes place in Shanti Kunj, a lovingly and beautifully curated heritage home just 5-7 minute walk down the hill from Sisters Bazaar in Landour.

Comfortable twin sharing occupancy. Most rooms have attached bathroom.

Hide-away spaces throughout three-leveled house for personal peace and quiet.

Surrounded by forest. Terrace with breathtaking views of valley.

Healthy home-cooked vegetarian meals. Garhwali, North-Indian, and Continental menu. Morning and evening snacks.

Shared studio space for creative work.

Art for Change is not a business but a charitable trust. With a vision to see art shape society with beauty and truth, and a mission is to see artists and creatives find their place in society and thrive, our primary purpose is to serve you. But we also have a dream. Besides covering the costs of the event the income raised through the Mountain Retreat goes primarily towards fundraising to set up a permanent Art Center in Mussoorie. Your participation is not only an investment in yourself, but an investment in future generations of artists and creatives like you. For a peak into this exciting vision click here.