OLD MANALI “Go where you feel most alive”

I am in profound love with Himachal and all the places that it homes. But if you ask me which is the best place where I can go over and over again, it is surely Old Manali. Old Manali, Not new Manali is indeed heaven on earth. Geographically, the only thing that separates Old Manali and Manali is the Beas River but there is a complete change of scene after you cross the river. Main Manali is a good destination for honeymooners or families. In fact, family travelers may not like Old Manali at all because as per them, it has too many hippies. However, if you’re a backpacker or a Solo Traveler you will definitely prefer Old Manali. Here are few highlights of OLD MANALI.

1.  Are you in love with food?

A long time ago, European tourists discovered this picturesque region. Following this discovery, Europeans of varying nationalities started visiting this beautiful town, stayed on, discovered yoga, married locals and started their own cafés. Whether you’re craving lasagna or shakshuka, you will not be disappointed when you eat in Old Manali. Do try Kathmandu café and German bakery. They are awesome.

2.  Weather and Atmosphere is Different

He who said Manali is for summers had never been here in winters.  Old Manali is equally or more magical in winters. Snowfall makes this place look like a fairytale. Lesser congession and lesser population makes this place worth visiting in winters too. Summing up, it is the best all year round.

3.  Hotels are Inexpensive and Nice

The Hotels here are inexpensive and is at the lap of mother nature. Find a hotel surrounded lush greenery and begin trek early morning. These hotels are truly built in the old himachali style. If you could find a proper hotel, I bet you will not step out for atleast one whole day just to cherish the place.

4.  Good Base for Nearby Treks

Old Manali is a perfect base for nearby treks to Spiti Valley, Pin Valley, Lahaul Valley, etc. Not just small treks but several intermediate treks start from here. More than just treks, you can also try rafting, paragliding, zorbing, rappelling, rock climbing, etc.

5. Love and Affection of Himachali People

Unlike new Manali the shops, restaurants and residents are the genuine manali people and not the one who mave migrated for business. You will find touch of culture here in Old manali only.  Sweetest of people and sweetest of conversations can happen here. You will fall in love with them.

6.  Who doesn’t like Shopping?

Don’t buy china made and Delhi made stuff this time. Stay at Old manali and shop for some unique handmade things that can’t be found in big shopping commercial streets. As you cross the bridge that connects New Manali and Old Manali and walk uphill, you will notice many colorful roadside shops. Shop for  jewelry, bags, woolen clothes, poi pairs, hula-hoops and even flag patches for backpacks.

7.  Out of the world Parties

Haven’t you heard of Manali parties?. It happens here in Old Manali. Don’t come here for hindi music though, you wont find any. They love trance. Attend their festival in summers for a memory lifetime.

8.  Responsible Tourists

                     

Your may call them hippie or may call them solo travelers. But the right word of the travelers who land at old Manali is ‘Responsible Tourist’. You will never find them awfully drunk and painfully loud, they will never litter or create mess. And unlike Manali, old Manali doesn’t have tourist kids to mess up the whole surrounding.

Here air always smells nice because it’s pure, the water always tastes good, because in most of the places, it comes from waterfalls that emerge out of glaciers.  Moreover, it’s a lot of fun to walk around in Old Manali to discover new viewpoints and secret trails where one is surrounded by Nature. If you love walking and can go for hours, these mountains are yours…