Next Edit : March 2025. We're working on our next batch. Sign up for the Insider list to get first dibs when we go live.



This summer, we have partnered with Camp Nomad to provide you with a 5-day, immersive experience, including pottery, nature and forest walks in the Himalayas. Camp Nomad is an eco-friendly campsite and retreat center located in an apple orchard, surrounded by Deodar Forests with majestic views of snow-capped Himalayas. 


The retreat is designed to be an experiential vacation, which will help you unwind, disconnect and re-connect with yourself. The crisp mountain air, the tranquility of forests and the unending greenery is sure to instill a sense of calm and joy.


27th September - 2nd October 2024
Friday - Wednesday



About the retreat


During your time here, we aim to provide you with a deeply immersive experience. Working with clay offers a wealth of different processes that give us the opportunity to create unique, tangible pieces. This retreat is designed to rejuvenate you away from your usual hectic schedule in a serene environment.


Here's what you can expect in your time here :


  • 5 days of crisp, fresh air amidst the Deodar trees
  • Wake up to the majestic view of Himalayas
  • Experiencing a new craft, letting go of your inhibitions and creating your unique pieces in clay
  • Live in rustic, yet cosy and comfortable Swiss Tents
  • Fresh, organic, home cooked food 
  • Enjoy a traditional Himachali Dham
  • Guided nature walks in the morning with nature meditation prompts
  • Connect with a bunch of likeminded individuals, make friends for life
  • Sit by the bonfire, play games, share stories and enjoy the sounds of crickets and cicadas


I have done this twice before, and I can assure the connections made here are magical! It is a perfect get-away to relax, get pampered and experience something new. 




WHO IS IT FOR? DO I NEED PRIOR POTTERY EXPERIENCE?

You don’t need any prior experience of working with clay, this is designed for absolute beginners. The sessions are designed to be a relaxing experience. We will be using various techniques like coiling, pinching and slab work. We will also be using the wheel (we have the kick wheel at the studio) and you can choose to use the one you enjoy the most for the pieces you create.


CAN I BECOME A FULL TIME POTTER AFTER THIS?
No, one week is not enough time for you to become a professional or even a hobby potter, this is meant to be an experiential vacation. If you’re interested in taking up pottery full time or even as a serious hobby, I recommend a 3-6 month course to begin with. This is only meant for people looking for a rejuvenating break and a memorable experience or maybe a stepping stone to you onward pottery journey.


BUT… AM NOT A CREATIVE PERSON
Oh trust me, you are!
This is a safe space for you to come as you are….and just have fun!



Accomodation & Food

You’ll be staying in beautiful and comfortable Swiss Tents, with attached bathrooms. Accommodations will be on a twin sharing basis.


We will be serving homecooked food celebrating seasonal and local produce.


Our common areas are designed for community and conversation. We have an open air Baithak with incredible valley views, and every evening, the wood fire in our cafe invites residents to gather over a meal or a chat.


We do not provide room service or a la carte menu.


We will be allocating rooms once we have all the participants confirmed.



Itinerary


Day 1 | 27th Sept

Arrival. You get settled and rested. After our evening chai and snacks, we'll unwind, have a round of introductions and a basic orientation.


Day 2-3-4-5 | 28th Sept - 1st Oct
Our mornings would begin with a hike/walk (optional, ofcourse). We begin our pottery workshops after breakfast and work till the evening.


Day 2 & 3 are for exploring different techniques and getting a hang of the material

Day 4 & 5 we will work on our final pieces together that we'll keep to fire. We will also load the kiln together at night.


You can each decide to keep 3-4 pieces that you have made in your time with us. The pieces will be fired a few weeks after our retreat and shipped to you. 

*Figuring out these logistics in the hills is tricky, so it might take some time but we'll keep you posted


Day 6 | 2nd October
Departure after breakfast.

How to reach?


Camp Nomad is situated 15kms from Shimla, and a whole world away! To reach you can use various means :


By Air: Fly to Chandigarh Airport, and take a taxi from there (approx 3.5 - 4 hours).


By Rail: Take a train to Chandigarh or Kalka, and a taxi from there. Travel time is similar from both places, about 3.5 - 4 hours.


By Bus: Take a Volvo to Shimla, and a taxi from there to Camp (approximately 45 minutes)


By Road: Follow the Google Map below, and take the left turn to Mashobra-Bekhalti Road from Kufri Fun World, then look for Camp on your right after about 3.5 km. The drive from Delhi will take approx 8 hours, or 3.5-4 hours from Chandigarh, or 45 minutes from Shimla.




Hear from our previous batch

  • "This retreat is one of the highlights of my life over the last few years, and not just for pottery. It's mesmerizing to watch Anumita do her art, and despite having done two pottery workshops earlier, this is the first one where I truly grasped the basics. She's so patient and the days are so well planned that the whole experience was zen-like. I don't know if I'll retain the pottery skills, but we made friends for life here.. go ahead, take the plunge. It'll be a beautiful experience."


    VARSHA
  • "The pottery experience was one of the most memorable experiences I've ever had. I came back with my heart full. Anumita was wonderful throughout. She made everyone feel at ease. Working with clay was not only alot of fun but very therapeutic. It was a meditative experience that left me feeling very centered. Anumita's presence and expertise made all the difference.
    I highly recommend this to those who are looking for connection with others and themselves ❤️"


    VIDHI

  • "5 days of complete solitude while learning pottery overlooking the hills. Anumita is patient and so passionate about pottery and it inevitably rubs off on you. Namita, the host was absolutely wonderful. She baked some yummy cupcakes and breads for us during our stay. Best part is the pottery studio out in the balcony with a gorgeous view. The trek to the home stay is not easy, so would recommend carrying good shoes. You have to take any plastic waste you bring, back with you as it’s an eco friendly property.

    10/10 would recommend!"


    YUKTI
  • Anumita's pottery retreat in the hills was a true oasis of calm and creativity for me. In just five days, I not only learned the basics of pottery but also discovered a profound love for the craft, all thanks to her patient guidance and infectious passion. Beyond pottery, the retreat became a gathering of kindred spirits; we laughed, learned, and forged friendships that felt like they'd been years in the making.
    For me, learning pottery against the backdrop of those serene hills was more than just a hobby; it was a healing experience. At a time when I needed it most, the tranquility and the beauty of the surroundings offered solace and inspiration.


    • MOUNIKA
This happens only once a year and we have only 8 seats....Is one yours?


Get ready for a 5-day immersive pottery experience for beginners in the hills at


CAMP NOMAD

Kufri, Himachal Pradesh


27th September - 2nd October


This experience is priced at 

Rs. 56,000


But if you're on the insider list, go check your emails for a juicy discount code and get it for only (if you're now, DM me on instagram or email on orders.aclaystory@gmail and I'll get you on it)


Rs. 50,400



Your ticket price includes

- Your accomodation (twin sharing basis) in one of our Swiss tents with attached bathrooms

- Nourishing homecooked meals which include breakfast, lunch, dinner, evening tea and snacks for the days you're here

- Pottery lessons with Anumita

- All materials like clay, glaze that you will require for the sessions and your very own pottery toolkit

- Firing and shipping costs of the final pieces to your homes

- Guided nature walks, with meditation prompts

- A traditional himachali Dham and a live music evening around bonfire to enjoy Himachali folk music


(It does not include your travel from and to the Homestead. But once we have all the confirmations, we will connect with everyone to plan it together, making it easy for you)


Cancellation Policy


- The entire amount will be refunded if you cancel on/before 31st July

- 50% of the total amount will be refunded, if you cancel on/before by 31st August

- 20% of the total amount will be refunded, if cancel on/before 10th September

- There shall be no refund, if you cancel after 10th September

- If you are unable to attend for any reason, you may transfer your seat to another person (provided you inform us in advance). In case of such transfer, we shall not be refunding any amount.

 

Hi there, I am Anumita


I am the hands and heart behind A Clay Story. A full time potter and a designer based in Delhi but dreams of having a studio in a jungle some day.


I have been doing pottery for almost 10 years now and have always enjoyed sharing my love for this craft with others. Pottery can be very meditative (if done without deadlines) and makes for an excellent escape from our daily life.


Introverted by nature, I always seek deeper connections with people over small talks. These retreats became a beautiful way to escape the city life and meet likeminded people every year.


I love to paint, play with animals and listening to music!

About Camp Nomad


Camp Nomad is not a hotel. It is a small venture, run with a whole lot of heart run by Aditi and Amit.


They are an eco-friendly campsite and retreat center, featuring basic and Swiss tents, traditional mud houses, fire-pits, an open-air Baithak, and a cafe. 


They specialise in hosting groups, workshops, artist retreats, adventure trips, corporate off-sites, and residencies.


Their Campsite is located in an apple orchard, surrounded by Deodar Forests, with majestic views of the snow-capped Himalayas.

They are only 15 km from Shimla, and a whole world away!


Know more about our hosts here