A Storytelling Retreat in Kashmir
Booking open

Rudaad: Crafting Stories

Come to Kashmir to listen. Leave with a story.

01 / INTRODUCTION TO THE WORKSHOPKashmir

Rudaad: Crafting Stories

A five-day immersive storytelling experience in Kashmir for those who want to look closer, listen better and discover the stories hidden in everyday moments.

This is not a holiday.

It is not a classroom workshop.

It is storycraft learnt in the field, through people, places, conversations and experience.

5 DAYS | 6 PARTICIPANTS | KASHMIR |

02 / WHERE STORIES BEGINKashmir, beyond the postcard

Where Stories Begin

Rudaad brings storytelling out of the classroom and into the real world.

Across five days, you'll learn to observe, listen, find stories and shape them into narratives through field experiences, writing exercises, reflection and mentorship.

You don't need to be a writer.

You just need to be curious.

“The story is rarely where you look for it. It is in what you were too busy to hear.”

Kashmir, Beyond the Postcard

Kashmir is often seen through postcards and headlines.

Rudaad asks you to look beyond both.

A place of layered history, living memory, craft, food, faith, loss and resilience, Kashmir offers stories everywhere,if you slow down enough to listen.

Kashmir isn't the backdrop. It's the teacher.

03 / LEARN TO SEE THE STORYObserve · Listen · Reflect · Write · Share

Learn to See the Story

01

Observe

Notice the details most people miss.

02

Listen

Discover stories through people, conversations and place.

03

Reflect

Use field journals and guided prompts to process what you experience.

04

Write

Turn observation into narrative through structured exercises and mentorship.

05

Share

Develop your voice and receive individual feedback.

04 / HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WORKSHOPYOU DON'T HAVE TO BE A WRITER.

Rudaad is for:

No prior writing experience is required.

You don't have to arrive as a writer.

You only have to arrive curious.

  • Writers and aspiring writers
  • Content creators and communicators
  • Filmmakers and documentary directors
  • Creative professionals
  • People looking for a creative reset
  • Curious travellers who want to experience Kashmir beyond tourism
05 / WHAT YOU LEAVE WITHNot just memories.

You'll leave with:

A sharper eye for stories

Stronger listening and observation skills

Practical storytelling tools

A Rudaad field journal

An original piece of writing to complete after the residency

Individual feedback and mentorship

A certificate of completion

A Rudaad welcome kit

The opportunity for selected work to appear in the Rudaad Anthology

06 / ITINERARY OF THE WORKSHOP5 nights 6 days · 6 participants

Five Days. A Story Unfolding. The Itinerary

Day 01

14th Nov - Saturday - DAY 1 — ARRIVE & BEGIN

Arrival in Srinagar, pickup, settling in, introductions and an opening conversation on storytelling. Overnight in Srinagar hotel.

Day 02

15th Nov - Sunday - DAY 2 — LEARNING TO LOOK

Field immersion focused on observation, listening and journal practice.

Travel for 2 hours for a village stay in Budgam District. Overnight in Hotel.

Day 03

16th Nov - Monday - DAY 3 — FINDING THE STORY

People, places and conversations. Identifying the story hidden inside an everyday moment.

Travel for 4-5 hours on this day to North Kashmir’s Lolab Valley also known as “Land of Love and Beauty” . Overnight in Hotel.

Day 04

17th Nov - Tuesday - DAY 4 — SHAPING THE NARRATIVE

Voice, structure and ethical storytelling, with writing exercises and individual feedback.

This day we spend soaking ourselves in the serenities of Lolab Valley. Overnight in Hotel.

Day 05

18th Nov - Wedesday - DAY 5 — WHAT COMES NEXT

Sharing, reflection and the post-programme writing assignment before farewell.

Travel back to Srinagar for 4 hours. Overnight in Houseboat.

Day 06

19th Nov - Thursday - DAY 6 --- DEPARTURE AFTER BREAKFAST.

07 / PACKAGE COST OF THE WORKSHOPCost and inclusions

Package Cost of the Workshop

₹59,000per participant + 5%(GST)

Included

  • Accommodation on twin-sharing basis,
  • meals during the programme,
  • local transportation IN A luxury Tempo Traveler including Srinagar pickup and drop,
  • programme sessions and field exercises,
  • mentorship by Tiya Chatterji,
  • writing and learning materials,
  • Rudaad welcome kit and certificate of completion.
  • Selected work may also be published in the Rudaad Anthology, with a hard copy provided to participants whose work is selected.

Excluded

  • Travel to Srinagar and return journey from Srinagar to your destination.
  • Accommodation and meals during transit from your destination to/from Srinagar.
  • Breakfast on Day 1, and lunch and dinner on Day 7.
  • Any additional meal expenses during the tour (e.g., delayed meals due to photography or travel, if participants purchase food externally).
  • Personal expenses such as tips, laundry, or similar.
  • Costs of food or beverages purchased by participants during travel between locations.
  • Mineral water bottles (we recommend avoiding plastic bottles and carrying your own refillable insulated bottles).
  • Additional expenses for extra food or beverages, excluding hard drinks at high altitudes (not encouraged).
  • Any medical emergency costs for participants.
  • Any additional costs due to unforeseen circumstances like civil unrest, weather disruptions, or other events beyond our control that extend the tour duration.
08 / WHAT MAKES THIS DIFFERENTThe field is the classroom

What Makes This Different

01

Six People. One Shared Experience.

Only six participants, allowing for deeper conversations and individual attention.

02

The Field Is the Classroom.

Learn through people, places, conversations and real experiences.

03

Mentorship, Not Just Instruction.

Sessions and feedback led by Tiya Chatterji — author, filmmaker, marine archaeologist and storyteller.

04

Telling Stories with Responsibility.

Ethical storytelling is part of the foundation—because the stories we tell often come from other people's lives.

05

The Story Continues.

Rudaad doesn't necessarily end when you leave Kashmir. Your post-programme writing assignment may become part of the Rudaad Anthology.

09 / BEFORE YOU SAY YESFrequently asked questions

Before You Say Yes Frequently Asked Questions

01Is Rudaad a writing course or a travel experience?

Both — but neither in the conventional sense.

Rudaad combines storytelling fundamentals with an immersive field experience. It is designed as a learning experience rather than a conventional holiday or classroom-based writing workshop.

02Do I need prior writing experience?

No.

You don't need to be a published writer or have formal training. Curiosity, observation and an openness to the experience matter more.

03Will photography be part of Rudaad?

No.

Photography is not a component of the programme. Participants are encouraged to experience their surroundings without approaching the experience primarily through a camera.

04Will I be writing during the programme?

Yes. Field journals and structured writing exercises form an important part of the experience.

05Will my story be published?

Selected pieces may be included in the Rudaad Anthology. Participants whose work is selected will receive a hard copy.

06Can I attend Rudaad alone?

Absolutely. Rudaad is designed for individual participation, and you don't need to know anyone else attending.

07How many participants will there be?

Only six participants. The small group allows for meaningful interaction, individual attention and a more immersive experience.

08Is travel to and from Kashmir included?

No. Participants arrange their own travel to and from Kashmir. Srinagar pickup and drop-off are included in the programme's local transportation.

09Will the itinerary be fixed?

The broad structure will be planned in advance, but certain elements may remain flexible. Since Rudaad is built around field experiences and real encounters, the schedule may adapt where necessary.

10What happens after the programme?

Participants complete a writing assignment within two weeks. Selected work will then be considered for inclusion in the Rudaad Anthology with hard copies given to each participant.

10 / CLOSING LINESRudaad: Crafting Stories

Some Stories Wait to Be Found.

You don't have to be a writer to come to Rudaad.

You only have to be willing to:

  • Look closer.
  • Listen better.
  • Find the story.
Kashmir | 5 Days | 6 Participants | ₹59,000
11 / BOOKING & PAYMENTBooking open
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01

Payment Terms & Booking Procedure

  • Twin Sharing: Package cost Rs. 59,000 per person, exclusive of 5% GST. Booking: Rs. 15,750 (Rs. 15,000 + 5% GST) at confirmation. Final: Rs. 46,100 (Rs. 44,000 + 5% GST) by Oct 24, 2026 (20 days prior).
  • Single Supplement: Package cost Rs. 75,000 per person, exclusive of 5% GST. Booking: Rs. 15,750 (Rs. 15,000 + 5% GST) at confirmation. Final: Rs. 63,000 (Rs. 60,000 + 5% GST) by Oct 24, 2026 (20 days prior).
  • Invoices: Issued per payment. Prices exclude GST changes.
  • Digital Payments: Use Razorpay link; 2% gateway fee plus 18% GST on the fee applies. Debit cards, credit cards, UPI, wallets and EMI are accepted.
  • Booking Assistance: Email thescapeworkshops@gmail.com or call +91 8882705302 to speak with Tiya. Bank account details, contract and trip acknowledgment are available for direct transfers.
02

Cancellation & Refund Policy

  • 20+ days prior (by Oct 24, 2026): 50% advance refund.
  • Less than 20 days to Tour Date (Oct 24–Nov 14): No advance refund.
  • Less than 20 days or no final payment: No refund (full or advance).
  • Organizer cancellation (e.g., COVID, or fewer than 6 participants): Full refund; flight costs are not refunded, so book flexible tickets.
  • Late payments forfeit seat/advance (transferable if replacement found). GST is non-refundable. Refunds if any processed by Dec 18, 2026.

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