Mitti Ki Baat 2.0
Come, be Held
Choose between shared bunk accommodation or twin-sharing rooms.
Secure UPI, card and netbanking checkout · instant email confirmation · questions? WhatsApp us before you pay.
Let clay hold what words cannot
This three-day retreat, in collaboration with The Nook in Sainj, Himachal Pradesh, isn't about making perfect pots.
- It's about letting your hands say what your heart hasn't had space to.
- It's about shaping silence, resting deeply, and finding your people.
And in the process, learning the kind of listening that only clay can teach.
Limited to 10 participants · all levels welcome · no pottery experience needed
About the retreat
The stay
The Nook is a traditional Kathkuni home with rustic vibes in the unexplored Sainj Valley. Hosted by Saloni, it is a stay surrounded by forests, birdsong and silence.
How to reach
- From Delhi: overnight Volvo to Aut, followed by a local taxi.
- By flight: fly to Chandigarh, bus to Aut, followed by a taxi.
- We share a detailed travel guide once you sign up, and help coordinate group pick-ups from Aut.
Who it's for
- People with full, busy lives who are longing for rest with meaning
- Curious souls who want to slow down, reconnect with their senses, and spend time making with their hands
- Creatives, makers and gentle wanderers looking for a space to notice, explore and create without the pressure to perform
- Solo travellers and small groups open to reflection, shared experiences and meaningful connection
- Anyone who has been wanting to spend a little time away from the noise, with clay, mountains and good company
What's included
- All clay sessions, materials, tools and pre-fired ceramics
- Both pottery wheel and hand-building experiences
- Guided clay experiences designed around touch, observation, making and letting go
- Morning rituals, quiet practices and reflective prompts
- A day spent walking and making with the landscape
- Ceramic making inspired by the land, your surroundings and your own unique stories
- A documentary and movie evening
- Shared meals, tea, conversations and unhurried time together
- Community circles and moments of solitude
- A field trip into the surrounding landscape, transportation included
- Accommodation at an old Kathkuni-style home, as per the room option you choose
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner and two tea or coffee servings each day
Not included
- Travel to and from The Nook
- Personal expenses outside the retreat
- Additional food, drinks or activities beyond what is included
- Personal shopping, medicines or other individual requirements
A note from Harshita
To join us, you don't need to know how to work with clay, you don't need to be an artist, you don't even need to come with a particular intention.
You simply need to arrive.
Over three days, we will slow down enough to notice. The feel of wet earth between our fingers, the shape of a mountain trail, the stories we carry, the things we make, and the things we might be ready to leave behind.
Clay will be our medium, but the retreat is really about paying attention.
A look back at last year
Three days of clay, mountain air and long, unhurried moments... here is how the first retreat unfolded.
- 3 days · 2 nights in the Tirthan Valley
- Clay, meditation, painting, hike, movie time
- Long tables, local food, slow evenings
What people say after clay
Stay options
Ten spots in all. Pricing is per person for the full three days, inclusive of stay, food, sessions, materials and 18% GST.
Double room · twin sharing
For pairs, couples, or those wanting more quiet. Peaceful, warm rooms with gorgeous views.
Bunk beds
Shared dormitory-style stay. Ideal for solo travellers or those open to new friendships. Cozy, comfortable and community-driven.
Terms & good to know
Do I need any pottery experience?
None at all. All levels are welcome, and the retreat is limited to ten participants so there is always a pair of hands beside you.
Will we get to use the pottery wheel?
Yes. Both pottery wheel and hand-building experiences are included in the retreat. You'll have guided sessions across both, regardless of your starting level.
Can I take the pieces I make back home?
Yes. A lot of what you make will already be pre-fired at the studio and brought to the retreat, so you can carry finished pieces back with you. The retreat also includes different kinds of clay activities - some involve making pottery from scratch, some are painting on bisque ware, and some are assembling ceramics. So you'll go home with plenty of finished ceramics.
What is the weather like in early October?
Early October is one of the most beautiful times to visit Sainj Valley in the Tirthan region. Days are crisp and bright, evenings turn cool, and the landscape is fresh after the monsoon. We recommend carrying a light jacket and comfortable layers for both studio time and the field trip.
Is there a phone signal?
Mostly yes. You won't be fully off the grid, so family can reach you if needed. But the valley is at its best when the phone stays in your pocket, and we gently recommend a little digital minimalism: fewer screens, more clay, long meals and mountain air. Think of it as permission to truly sink in.
What's the food like?
Wholesome, home-cooked meals made with care. Think Himachali flavours, fresh seasonal vegetables, herbal teas and warm bread. Meals are shared together at the long table, and they're very much part of the retreat rhythm. Let us know about any dietary needs when you book and we'll happily plan around them.
How do I reach The Nook?
From Delhi, take an overnight Volvo to Aut and a local taxi onward. By air, fly to Chandigarh, take a bus to Aut, then a taxi. We share a detailed travel guide once you sign up and help coordinate group pick-ups from Aut.
Why are the check-in and check-out timings so early and late?
The buses that serve Sainj Valley mostly reach Aut and the nearby towns early in the morning and leave again late at night. We've planned the retreat around these schedules so you can check in soon after you arrive, spend the full day with us, and leave comfortably after dinner rather than rushing for an afternoon connection.
Is my place confirmed on payment?
Yes. Your place at Mitti Ki Baat 2.0 is confirmed once the full payment has been received. Spots are allotted first come, first served, and the fee is inclusive of stay, food, sessions, materials and 18% GST.
What is the cancellation policy?
As we make arrangements for the retreat well in advance, payments are non-refundable in case of cancellation. If you are unable to join us, you are welcome to transfer your place to someone else, subject to prior notice.
Anything else you ask of us?
Only this: hold the space with care, respecting the land, our hosts, the people around us, and the shared rhythm of the retreat. A GST invoice is available on request.
Questions before you book? Write to us at harshita@lumierebakestudio.com or WhatsApp +91 98975 93471.