Working in an IT company, as many of you might have experienced, can lead to unbearable work pressure at times. Recently, I found myself going through such a phase, and like many others, I decided to make a change – I switched to a new company. During this transition, I took a much-needed break of 7 days and planned a trip to Manali to rejuvenate my spirits. The best part was having my significant other accompany me on this adventure. We booked a flight to Delhi and then took a scenic bus journey to reach Manali.
Upon waking up, we found ourselves amidst the awe-inspiring beauty of Manali, and every view that followed was nothing short of picturesque. The best part of our trip was the lack of rigid plans; instead, each night, we excitedly mapped out our adventures for the next day. Over the course of 6-7 days, we explored numerous stunning places in and around Manali, making unforgettable memories together.
In the city of Manali, the Hadimbadevi Temple, Old Manali, and Jogni Waterfalls left us in awe with their beauty.
Every evening, we strolled along the Mall Road, which was just a 20-minute walk from our accommodation. To explore these places, we rented a scooty, and luckily, the rental rates were reasonable since it wasn’t peak tourist season yet. A long holiday was on the horizon, set to begin the following week.
One of the most breathtaking experiences near Manali was crossing the Atal Tunnel to reach Lahaul, where the landscape was completely blanketed in snow. It was my very first encounter with snow, and my soul felt elated.
Excited to explore more nearby places, we dedicated a day to Kasol, where we stayed in a riverside camp by the Parvati River. The serenity, the sweet melody of birds, and the gentle flow of the river made me ponder whether humans were truly meant for the hustle and bustle of the IT world – a humorous thought indeed.
During our visit to Kasol, finding the perfect place to stay posed a challenge. With no prior knowledge of the area, we turned to our trusty map for guidance. After careful consideration, we settled on a charming camp situated near the riverside. The price for the accommodation was 3500 rupees, though we were aware that charges might escalate during peak season. Our primary aim for this trip was to reinvigorate our souls after enduring hectic days, so we were determined to make each experience nothing short of extraordinary.
The next morning, we hopped on a local bus from the main road and ventured to the Manikaran Gurudwara. There, we relished a simple yet delicious lunch.
After spending around two hours exploring the place, we hopped on another local bus that took us to the charming village of Tosh, situated at an elevation of 7,900 ft on the mountain slope along the banks of the Parvati River. The sight of majestic snow-capped mountains was mesmerizing. At a renowned café, where fellow travelers from the bus had also gathered, we savored cold coffee and enjoyed the awesome view. We caught the last bus back to Manikaran, and since it was a hilly terrain, the journey back to Manali took some time. Eventually, we arrived back in Manali that night, having changed multiple buses along the way.
Manali is undeniably a must-visit destination, and my experience was nothing short of delightful. I can’t wait to revisit this enchanting place and create more beautiful memories.
Engineer, explorer, and wellness seeker writing a slow-living journal of honest travel, vegetarian food, and mindful days.
