Archive · 22 Sep 2025
Himalayan Writing Retreat: Nurturing Writers in Uttarakhand
Imagine a magical place in the Himalayas where writers go to write stories!
This is the Himalayan Writing Retreat.
Started by a couple, it offers writing workshops, a community, and even a residency program for new writers.
They help aspiring writers get feedback and complete their first drafts.
Plus, the retreat supports a local school, Chirag School, through the First Draft Club.
They also have collaborations to nurture writing talents.
The retreat is a place for writers to find inspiration and get their stories told.
Himalayan Writing Retreat (HWR) is located in Satkhol, Uttarakhand, and founded by Vandita Dubey and Chetan Mahajan.
The retreat provides writing workshops, residencies, and a writing community for aspiring writers.
The First Draft Club (FDC) supports writers and raises funds for the Chirag School.
HWR hosts the Khozem Merchant fellowship with Penguin Random House for non-fiction writers.
The retreat offers resources on various writing topics.
- Who
- Vandita Dubey and Chetan Mahajan founded and operate the Himalayan Writing Retreat.
- What
- The Himalayan Writing Retreat (HWR) offers writing workshops and residencies in the Himalayas.
- When
- The retreat was founded in October 2016. The reporting for the article was conducted in January 2025.
- Where
- Located in Satkhol, Nainital district, Uttarakhand.
- Why
- To create a space for writers to hone their skills, build community, and support the local Chirag School.
- Location
- Satkhol, Nainital district, Uttarakhand
- Founded
- October 2016
- Founders
- Vandita Dubey and Chetan Mahajan
- Programs
- Writing workshops, First Draft Club, Emerging Writers Residency
- Focus
- Supporting writers, community, and Chirag School
- Fellowship
- Khozem Merchant Fellowship with Penguin Random House