“Spontaneity is the best kind of adventure.”
Anonymous
Hey Jaspreet this side I’m a traveller and photographer so welcome to my story of Blending in Manali. This year I wanted to explore myself so I headed for my first solo trip. I wanted to visit the mountains but every place was booked because it was New Year’s week so the only place I found was Manali, and God I’m glad I found Manali this time. I have been there before but this trip was more about blending with the town and understanding the place as it is.
Before being a traveller or a photographer I’m an explorer and to explore a place I like to amalgamate in the town and the culture.
Flying above the Himalayas and landing in Srinagar
So I took the flights to Delhi from Jaipur and there I headed to Manali on an overnight journey. I like to travel at night because it helps to connect myself with my journey. There’s less crowd, no distractions so I can concentrate on things that matter to me on my way.
So I reached Manali in the morning and stayed at SoloYolo. The place was amazing and the view was beautiful but there were also no rooms available there so I challenged myself and stayed in the common area with other travellers.
A Magical Journey by Road from Srinagar to Pahalgam
Once settled I headed for a cafe because if you are in Manali cafés shouldn’t be missed. Every place, every cafe has a different vibe with some amazing food options and amazing ambience.
First we went to Mount Walker’s Cafe and food there was just amazing and one thing that used me was that the owner of the cafe is the one playing live music there he was a musician by heart coz the music was soulful also ambience of the place was on point and it’s a must visit for everyone.
Well after we left Mount Walker the night was still young so we went ahead to another cafe, The Lazy Dog, though I was full, I knew I couldn’t eat anything but we went for couple of drinks and checked the vibe of that place. The best part is you can sit close to the river if you sit outside.
Well inside it was a party and I also went crazy and danced with unknowns who were very warm and welcoming.
There are a couple of cafés that I’ll recommend which for me are the best in town.
1. The Mount Walkers
2. The Lazy Dog
3. Rendezvous
4. Rocky’s Cafe (One of the best in Old Manali)
And last but not the least
5.Coffee at Dylan’s
Exploring more of Pahalgam
Well cafés are not the only thing when you are in the mountains so I found the second highest peak for paragliding in Kullu and it was a lifetime experience that I really cannot explain, the view was breathtaking, my pilot also did some air stunts though I was horrified but I’m glad he didn’t listen to me.
Then there’s a monastery in Manali which is very similar to Ladakh, I got my best shots there and it was a soothing experience.
After a soothing experience I went to Tirthan for Hampta pass. The view was beautiful and I also did a short trek there. I sat at a location and relaxed. The sound of the flowing river was tranquilizing. Today serenity is costly and I believe we visit these places to experience the calmness and peace which we lack in city life.
Gulmarg- A Luxurious Stay amidst the Heavenly Abode of Mountains and Clouds
It was New Year’s week so the celebrations could be felt everywhere in the town. I celebrated with my SoloYolo family and then on 31st I visited Manu Temple. It was nearby and I wanted to thank God for this amazing experience.
Though Manali is always crowded and popular for different things, the best view you can get of the Himalayan range is from Manali.
My budget for this trip was around ₹15,000 including shopping because I love to shop souvenirs from every place I visit.
Travel Hacks!
1. Try to stay in Common rooms to cut down your expenditure its an experience to have.
2. Carry your trekking gears if you want to go for trekking.
3. Carry some extra warm clothes because it’s very chilling when you are at high altitude.
