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I know you must have visited Manali a number of times, but have you really experienced Manali?
Starting with Manali, let me give you a different perspective here.
Manali, is the gateway to the Trans Himalayas. It has served as a passage for all. Lahaul, Spiti, Ladakh Zanskar uptil Kashghar in Central Asia, were prominent locations for the trade of Pashmina and Manali worked as an oasis for the traders and herders. Manali placed itself strategically between the formidable high altitude passes and peaks of the Himalayas and the economic centers and markets of Kullu & Mandi. Hence, one can say, Manali has seen it all, from the then traders to now travelers, from the time of Silk Route trade to the times of Atal tunnel. Not just people, but cultures, cuisines, religions and lifestyles have travelled through this gateway, which makes it so special and colorful, always attracting visitors. No wonder, Manali is the base for all road trips to the high altitude landscape and lakes, treks leading into the passes and peaks of Himachal over to Ladakh, Spiti, Lahaul! Manali is indeed a paradise for travelers of all categories, styles and walks of life.
I shifted to Manali in May 2022, to further explore my journey as a travel professional. I run a travel company @travel.a.i.p and started with @tra_boutique_stay here in Manali. Since then, I have been snailing through this place and finding my own niches and corners, my safe places and locations, activities and essences that help me unwind and rewire on many occasions.
Let me give you another check list for Manali then, through my lens. Following list is about things, food, activity, experiences and tours that are unexplored and untouched. Keeps your eyes out for trivia bonus too! This is a treasure, you won’t find elsewhere. Leave a comment if you find this to be a unique list!
Here we go!
Unique and Experiential things to do in Manali!
1. Stay at Tra Boutique Stay (Link) – A unique & sustainable, boutique homestay amidst apple orchards located 20 mins from Manali Mall road on the Naggar Manali Road, offers unobstructed views of the snow capped Pir Pranjal Range, soulful food, responsible travelers as your hosts and a bunch of In house activities. With a badge of Airbnb Superhost since its start, this place is a one shop stop for all category and ages of travelers. Prices range from 2500 to 5500 depending on the season. Its pet friendly too! More details in the Blog or Book Here for short and long stays. Come as you are!
Workshops and Experiences to enrich your soul on a holiday -
When in Rome, Do as the Romans do! So when in Himachal, live a Himachali life for an evening. Spend an evening, dressed in the traditional ‘pattu’ with a local family in their charming 100 year old traditional Kath Kuni home along with home fermented alcohol called Lugdi and Himachali Dhaam (staple meal of Himachal comprising of Rajma, Kadhi, Red Rice, Paneer, Chicken, Siddu along with comdiments)! This is one evening when my guests get high on food and laughter than alcohol!
Note - This activity is subjected to availability & is exclusive for Travel AIP & Tra Boutique Stay guests only. Costs range from 600 -1000 per person.
3. Momo making & Food history session with Kanupriya (me) – If you are a food buff and you like Momos then this gig is for you! Momos and Thukpa are hands down the ultimate travel food, a balanced meal one can say. Learn the art of rolling momos from scratch and its basic concepts and types. This activity is paired with a brief history of how food traveled far and beyond like humans, art, architecture and culture while we steam our hand crafted momos to perfection and devour them with the homemade chutney. I created this activity, after getting inspired from the family dinners at my friends in Sikkim. The whole family sat and laughed together forgetting their days problems and sharing quality time.
Trivia alert – Do you know why Momos and Thukpas are called as travel food? Well,lets go back to the time before 600AD when the first restaurant opened on the south wing of Silk route starting from China and ending in Persia. Until then, traders and travelers carried their own food in the most minimalistic fashion. They carried dry meats, animal fat & flour for dough. As they broke for lunch, they would boil all of this together with a pinch of Tsampa (Flour of several grains) to make it a balanced meal. Hand tossed macaroni boiled in a rich broth is known as Kauri, hand rolled flat noodles with a broth is known as Thenthuk, recipes that one can easily find in a Tibetan food menu. Momos were essentially dried meats and animal fats steamed in a flour wrapping when they had a big lazy afternoon their way!
P.s. This activity is subjected to availability and group size, exclusively for Travel AIP & Tra Boutique stay guests only. Costs range from 1000 - 2000 per person.
4. Pottery Workshop with Nitika – Nitika welcomes everyone for workshops ranging from 1 to 7 days at her farmstay, where she teaches clay throwing, preparing, working on the wheel and baking. Give shape to your creativity and align with nature.
Cost ranges from 2000 – 7000 pp depending on number of hours and group size.
5. Shinrin Yoku with Kanupriya (me) – The art of bathing in the cosmos of the forest and soaking in the energies of the 5 elements of Nature. In Japan, it is known as Shinrin Yoku. This if done in the morning, is rejuvenating and energizing. I take guests for walks through orchards, meadows, forests and small Himachali villages to witness some untouched waterfalls. This exercise is paired with a small meditation session for the effect to last long through the day.
P.s. This activity is subjected to availability & is exclusive for Travel AIP & Tra Boutique Stay guests. Cost starts from 1500/- to 3000/- depending on group size and location.
6. Mandala Art workshop with Veronica – A tattoo artist, Veronica is grounded in the valley with her art inspired by vibrations and healing. Art and concept of Mandala making is therapeutic. And in an olf Kath Kuni house with the Pir Pranjal range as your backdrop is an added bonus. Unleash your inner child and create something out of nothing!
Cost of energy exchange starts from 600/- onwards per person depending on the group size and available time slot.
7. Sound Healing with Ishai Darzi – A 40-60 min, spa for the brain, through sound and vibrations generated by the Himalayan Singing bowls, is a step towards aligning your chakras and unifying your body and soul.
P.s. This activity is subjected to availability. Cost starts from 1500/- per person.
8. Yoga with Aman –Start your day with an immersive yoga session with Aman at his cottage amidst apple orchards and furry friends.
Cost starts from 1500/- to 2000/- , depending on availability, time slot and group size.
Next up is - some really under the radar restaurants and cafe which represent the Manali life :)
9. Live Gigs at the Art café, Old Manali, Link– Unwind your evening at the Art café where local bands perform various genres, live. The must have is the Hot Tody made by the owner himself. Thank me later, a fun night is guaranteed! (keep a tab on their Insta Handle for updates)
10. Kyaroo House, Vashisht, Link – Hands down the best Tibetan food I have had in Manali. Calm and relaxed ambience, with lip smacking menu! Dry Thenthuk and Chicken chilly are my to go to’s ending the mean with deep fried ice cream.
11. Frontier Dhaba, Mall Road – I like this place, because its simple, easy and clean. Famous for its fresh dhaba style non- veg preps, I always leave this place overfull and ready to crash! The reason I over eat here is because their curries are not greasy, light and flavorful. 10/10 for food and pricing for this place
12. Wool café at Naggar delight – Consistently good bakes at this place. This quaint little café serves the best Banoffee Pie and Carrot Cake in all of Manali. They also promote local skin care products which are my to go to in the winters.
13. Sunbloom café, Mansari – Just off Manali, the architecture of this place is eye catching and so is the menu! An elaborate menu of Israeli, Indian, Chinese, Italian, Continental and Nepali, can keep anyone wanting for more, as all of it is brilliantly good! A must visit!
14. Himachali Dhaam at Jana – A 40 min drive from Naggar is Jana waterfalls. More than the waterfall, I find the local dhabas serving the unique Himachali Dhaam, the highlight. Visit this place for lunch and I promise, the desi ghee with Makkai ka roti and gurr will make your heart melt.
15. The Himalayan Cheese factory, Jagatsukh – If you are a cheese lover then this place will make you come back to Manali over and again. A wide range of handcrafted cheeses ranging from Gouda to Parmesan to Brie to Aseago and Cheddar are always available! They give free tasters too !
Day trips and tours with @travel.a.i.p (Google link)
1. Day excursion to Chandrataal, Spiti (From June to October) – If you are in short of time or not, a day trip to Chandrataal Lake will heal your soul! This Crescent moon shaped lake along with its marshes is said to be the source of River Chandra which join River Bhaga coming from Lahual. Witness the guardians of Spiti on the way, the natural formations of stalagmites and stalagtites due to the brushing of the wind against the Earth. It’s a humbling experience. It is located at an altitude of 4200 mts and the drive to this place is one of the most adventurous in India. Not for the faint hearted, we work with the most experienced drivers of the region to assist you with your day trip to Chandratal.
2. Day excursion to Lahaul – After the inauguration of Atal Tunnel, Lahaul has become accessible to explore with its humbling landscapes. Though I figured some places which ties this landscape with the history, making it an enriching experience.
a. Gondala Fort – This 7 storey Kath Kuni vertical fort was built by the King of Kullu – Raja Mann Singh for the Thakurs (Zamindaars) of the region to maintain cordial relationship with their house along with marrying their daughter to strengthen the union. Locals believe that the house, is more than 500 years old and still stands without a modification and can accommodate 100 and above people. Now, empty and abandoned, this place stands only for the inquisitive and history buffs.
b. Shushur Monastery - Shashur or Sashur (blue pines)Monastery, located atop the hill, is named after the landscape of Keylong, providing a 360* view of the entire valley. It is located 137 kilometres from Manali and was built in the 17th century by Lama Deva Gyatsho of Zanskar who was a missionary of Nawang Namgyal, the king of Bhutan. Besides its religious relevance, the views from the monastery are unlike any other with pastures sloping with the mountains divided by River Bhaga, making it a nourishing experience.
c. Trek to Sissu waterfall – Many people just see the waterfall from a distance across the road and continue their journey back to Manali. But that’s not a justified visit. A trek to the waterfall is a soulful experience as the sound of the water will encapsulate you!
Sissu, due to it leeward side, also becomes the best spot for snow trips.
d. Drive upto Deepak Taal & Suraj Taal - These high altitude lakes located at 4000 mts and above make the first water reservoirs from Manali created by melting snow and are crystal blue in colour. A relief to the eye amidst barren landscape, the waters of these lakes join River Bhaga.
3. Hot water springs at Kalath – Book you private pool for 1000/- an hour which can fit an easy peasy count of 10 people and enjoy the perks of Himalayas!
4. Apple harvesting – the valley of Manali is studded with Apple orchards. The entire settlement and its culture revolves around the bageecha life. And the harvesting perios (august to October) is the most energetic time of the year. Stay at tra and experience the harvesting first hand.
To make it simple just Call or Whatsapp on 8172047843 if you need any more inofrmation.
There is so much more, but it thought of leaving some things for you to explore! Hehe So take a de tour from the conventional travel in Manali to a much enriched experience!
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