An Untold Story of Manali- Suggested Itinerary

An Untold Story of Manali- Suggested Itinerary

“Two roads diverged on a white snowy road. One was going towards beautiful Shimla and another was going towards my heart (Manali). As a traveler, I am sorry that I could not travel on both roads. I was kept standing there with the entangled mind in between both natural beauties and God’s gift. And having perhaps the better claim, I decided to go with my heart. In leaves, no step had trodden black. I do not know either I will ever come back or not. This beautiful experience of nature in limited days of my life, I shall be telling this with a sigh Somewhere ages and ages.

“Two roads diverged on a white snowy road. One was going towards beautiful Shimla and another was going towards my heart (Manali)”.

Untold Story of Manali, Day-1:

We plan our Manali trip in the last week of December. We reached Manali via Volvo covering 12 hours Journey from Delhi. Roads are incredible and stunning mountains view from Chandīgarh to Manali especially from Mandi-Manali Road where small tiny homes in the womb of mountains can be seen from the bus. We already took Tour Package from local Travel Partner. So the guy came to pick us from the Manali Bus stand. Reaching the hotel after a 15-minute drive, we had our breakfast. We went to an international carnival, where our opinion about the environment and its beauty changed. Because the people who are living in the mountains; is respecting nature more than people. I felt my self ashamed when I see a 90-year-old lady wearing a traditional dress and running without having a shoe. She is completely fit and delivering speech about environmental awareness.

We were feeling so lucky in Manali and being present in the international carnival. Around 3000 local himachalane people were Walking; wearing traditional dress and their theme is protecting the environment and mountains.  We spend almost 4 hours and have lunch with the locals. 

Its time to arrive for the next exciting destination, Hadimba Devi Temple; which is situated in old Manali road. After hiking 300mt we reach to this temple which is built by Maharaja Bahadur. The Mata Hadimba Devi is established inside the Cave; who is protecting Manali. After visiting this attractive place we return to hotel at 7 PM in the evening had Candlelight Dinner with my travel partner who is so excited to have dinner at the rooftop. 

Untold Story, Day-2:

It is our second day in Manali and after having breakfast; we are waiting for Cab. We start our journey towards Solang Valley (Snow Point). It is 15km away from where we stayed. The beauty of road, green nature, snowy mountains is just for everything to me. I want to capture all the memories and take all this into my heart forever. I realized that NOTHING CAN BE MORE BEAUTIFUL THAN NATURE.  Must like to quote Theodore Roethke when he says, “Over every mountain there is a path, although it may not be seen from the valley.” God is the friend of silence. See how nature – trees, flowers, grass- grows in silence; see the stars, the moon and the sun, how they move in silence.  We need silence to be able to touch souls. This is my Journey and an Untold Story of Manali with Suggested Itinerary.

You can see so many Yak and Mountain Mule donkeys all over the valley. We capture so many memories in the valley and go for Ski ride and also take Paragliding from top of the Solang valley. This cost is 1500 INR and it’s worth every single penny. After taking 3-4 more adventure ride in Solong, we go for lunch in the street downside of Solang valley road and have Meggie (local noodle) and Local Masala Tea for refreshment.  

Now it’s time to move for next destination which is Gulaba Valley. While returning from this fascinating place, we stop at Nehru Kund and drink the purest water in the world. The water is so chilled and tasty; we bring 2 bottles of water for drinking. At dinner, we try Lungdi (Himalayan) and Chang (local beer) Drink. 

Untold Story, Day-3:

On day 3, we are really excited. Because we plan to visit Jogini Waterfall which is just 5 km from the hotel and we track for 2 more kilometres to reach Jogni Waterfall. After enjoying the beauty of this waterfall; we arrive for “Nicholas Roerich Museum”; the philosopher, archaeologist and Russian Public Figure. His Russian movement for spirituality is Known as an Indo-Russian Navaratn. His Painting is nominated for Nobel Prize. He came to India and spent several years in Himalaya; where he painted actual Himalayas mountains and write many books in this tiny wooden house. This house popularly known as second home of Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru who used to come to meet Nicholas Roerich.

We learn so many things about Himalayas and his personal life. Then we go to Naggar castle (King’s Palace); where Prince of Manali used to live. We also Visit Uruswati Himalayan Folk Art Museum; where we see so many arms and Paintings. After visiting this place, we go to Naggar Monastery; which is one of the peaceful and spiritual place. Where we spend 3 hours with Buddha Monks and with small kids as well. After experiencing so much, finally we return to the hotel at 6 PM and have dinner.

Untold Story, Day-4:

Another memorable day of life while visiting Manali.  We go to Kullu in the morning and our first place is Mini Vaishno Devi Temple which is just 30 km far from Manali. It’s stunning due to the temple’s location. It is situated inside the dark cave, which gives the feeling of spiritual and being sage. We have lunch inside.

Now we can’t wait anymore for River Rafting in Beas rivers. Our travel partner already booked rafting boat for us and it’s thrilling and adventurous due to frizzy cold water of the river. After 30 minutes we return to the hotel in the evening. We plan to do shopping from The Mall road of Manali. After having some purchase of traditional Manali clothes, designs and KEY CHAIN; We also tired local Hakka Momo’s and local Hot Milk. After spending 3 hours we back to the hotel and waited for the next and last day in Manali. This is my Journey and an Untold Story of Manali with Suggested Itinerary.

Untold Story of Manali, Day-5:

Our last memorable day in the heart of Himalaya. Morning starts with heavy Snow-Fall. We enjoy the snowfall with hot coffee and the temperature is -1 degree.

Luckily it is the season’s first snowfall; as told by locals. Snowfall continues till 1 PM. Hotels, Road, Mountains, Tree, everything is now covered with WHITE SNOW including us. We had planned to visit Manikaran Sahib (Gurdwara); which is 80km from Manali. But we cancel due to snowfall. 

It’s time to say goodbye to the soul of earth; Manali. Whenever I get a chance, I always try to visit Manali to live here the most beautiful moments of life. 

Author’s Closing KeyNote:

We travel not to escape from life. The reality is, we travel to live life. Being a robot is not a life, it’s a life which is full of slavery, chaos and hustle. The materialistic achievements which we term as an achievement or success, actually that was our biggest loss. We kept losing the way of life in gaining materialistic hustle. 

Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbour. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Hence keep exploring, dreaming and discovering the beauty of nature. This is my Journey and an Untold Story of Manali with Suggested Itinerary.

If you wish to know more: Light And Darkness

Also Read: Why To Visit Manali| Where to Stay| What to Eat