TTT NEWS NETWORK
NEW DELHI | 20 APRIL 2026
Gaj Retreat, located at Garhshankar in Hoshiarpur district on the border of Punjab and Himachal Pradesh, recently hosted the Familiarization (FAM) trip organised by the Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI). Surrounded by lush forests, rolling hills, and expansive natural landscapes, the retreat offers a rare experience of complete wilderness combined with curated outdoor and soft adventure experiences.
The unique setting of Gaj Retreat provides an ideal environment for nature-based activities, wilderness walks, outdoor experiences, and team-building programmes. Its tranquil surroundings and accessibility make it particularly well suited for corporate offsites, leadership retreats, and inbound experiential travellers seeking authentic outdoor, active experiences beyond conventional destinations.
Recognising this potential, ATOAI organised its FAM trip to the property, bringing together 8 accomplished adventure tour operators from across India. The objective was to provide first hand exposure to the destination and explore opportunities for developing adventure and experiential travel products. The visit received encouraging feedback, with members appreciating the destination’s potential for corporate groups, boutique inbound travel, and experiential itineraries.
Speaking on the initiative, Arshdeep Anand, Vice President, ATOAI, said:
“Gaj Retreat offers a unique wilderness experience at the intersection of Punjab and Himachal Pradesh. Such destinations open new opportunities for adventure and experiential tourism. Through this FAM trip, ATOAI aims to encourage members to explore emerging destinations and develop innovative travel experiences.”
This initiative also highlights Punjab’s growing potential as an adventure and experiential tourism destination. The natural terrain around Hoshiarpur and Garhshankar offers opportunities for soft adventure, luxury outdoor retreats, and wilderness-based experiences — expanding Punjab’s tourism appeal beyond its traditional offerings.
The FAM trip was hosted by the Gaj Retreat team with thoughtfully curated experiences, and it created a platform for collaboration between the property and ATOAI members. The initiative marks an important step toward promoting lesser-explored regions and strengthening the adventure tourism ecosystem.
About ATOAI:
The Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI) is the national body representing adventure tour operators in India, committed to promoting responsible adventure tourism, safety standards, and sustainable growth of the sector.
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