After breakfast featuring fresh local produce, embark on a guided walking tour through Hajan's traditional villages. Interact with local families who maintain centuries-old lifestyles, crafts, and agricultural practices. Visit a mulberry silk farm to witness the traditional process of sericulture that has sustained generations of Kashmiri families. Continue to a local artisan's home where you'll participate in an interactive workshop on Kashmiri embroidery, learning the basics of sozni needlework that has made Kashmir famous worldwide. After a home-cooked lunch with a village family, visit the 800-year-old Sufi shrine hidden in the valley, known for its intricate wood carvings and peaceful ambiance. Return to your retreat for an evening of relaxation with optional meditation sessions overlooking the valley as the setting sun transforms the landscape into a canvas of gold.

Today's adventure takes you deeper into Hajan Valley's natural wonders. Begin with a moderate trek along the banks of the Jhelum River, following ancient pathways used by local shepherds for centuries. The 7 km trail winds through dense pine forests, revealing hidden waterfalls and natural springs considered sacred by locals. Your naturalist guide will introduce you to the valley's rich biodiversity, including rare Himalayan herbs used in traditional medicine. Reach a secluded riverside clearing for a picnic lunch prepared with foraged ingredients. After lunch, try your hand at traditional fishing techniques used by the valley's inhabitants for generations. Those seeking tranquility can practice yoga or meditation by the riverside. Return to the retreat by evening for a special dining experience featuring Kashmiri "Trami" – a traditional copper platter meal incorporating fresh trout from the valley's streams.

Set off early for an excursion to the highland meadows above Hajan Valley. Travel by traditional horse-drawn carriages up winding mountain paths to reach Zaznar Meadow, a hidden alpine pasture at 9,000 feet. This meadow, unknown to most tourists, transforms into a carpet of wildflowers during summer months and offers panoramic views of surrounding Himalayan peaks. Meet nomadic Gujjar shepherds who bring their livestock to these pastures during summer months and learn about their sustainable relationship with the mountain ecosystem. Participate in traditional cheese-making using age-old techniques passed down through generations. After a mountain picnic featuring Gujjar specialties, trek to a viewpoint offering vistas of seven surrounding valleys. Descend back to Hajan by evening for a special cultural program featuring Bhand Pather, Kashmir's traditional folk theater that combines music, dance, and satire, performed by local artists.

On your final day, immerse yourself in the valley's natural healing traditions. Begin with a sunrise yoga session in the retreat's meditation garden, followed by a breakfast featuring local honey, nuts, and fresh herbs. Participate in a workshop on traditional Kashmiri wellness practices, including the preparation of kehwa tea with saffron and almonds known for its medicinal properties. Experience a rejuvenating herbal steam bath inspired by ancient Himalayan healing rituals, using aromatic herbs gathered from the valley. After lunch, visit Hajan's community craft center where you can purchase ethically-sourced souvenirs directly supporting local artisans. Before departing, plant a native tree in the retreat's conservation area, leaving your contribution to the valley's ecosystem. As you journey back to Srinagar, carry with you not just memories but a profound connection to this serene valley that remains one of Kashmir's best-kept secrets.