A Magical Winter Trip to Manali: Snow, Snowfall, and the Perfect Stay
As someone deeply in love with the majestic mountains, Himachal Pradesh has always been my go-to over Uttarakhand. What excites me the most are offbeat destinations—those places untouched by crowds and full of raw, natural beauty. This winter, I decided to head to Manali, despite usually avoiding commercialized spots like Shimla and Manali. I was hoping for a magical snowfall experience, and it certainly lived up to my expectations!
Planning the Trip: Balancing Different Travel Styles
This trip was unique because it involved two couples and three kids, all with different travel preferences. To make sure everyone was happy, we opted for a more commercialized spot like Manali, which offers both adventure and comfort. However, choosing the right accommodation wasn’t easy. Should we stay in Old Manali or New Manali? We needed a place central yet peaceful, especially during the peak New Year season when prices soared.
The Journey: Chandigarh to Manali
We started our 6-day journey on December 26th, driving from Delhi to Chandigarh at night to avoid early morning traffic. The next day, we headed to Manali. The drive was mostly smooth, thanks to the newly functional tunnels, but the last 3 km to Manali took nearly two hours. Despite this, we finally reached Old Manali and checked into our chosen Airbnb.https://www.airbnb.com/l/QQNi3CaO
The Perfect Stay: Old Manali Airbnb
Our stay in Old Manali was ideal—close enough to town for convenience, yet distant enough to provide peace and serenity. The Airbnb had an in-house café, which became our go-to spot for delicious food and coffee. The lesson I learned here: choosing the right place isn’t just about ratings—it’s about finding a spot that matches your travel style.https://www.airbnb.com/l/tqwfWrkt
The Magic of Snowfall
On our first day, we were blessed with fresh snowfall. The courtyard transformed into a winter wonderland, and our kids couldn’t have been happier. Although the continuous rain presented some challenges, the caretaker swiftly addressed all our needs, ensuring a smooth stay.
Things to Do in Manali
- Mall Road Shopping: You can find quality snow shoes for as little as Rs. 800 on Mall Road.
- Offbeat Cafes: Don’t miss the Offlimits Café and Old Manali Bridge Café.
- Fun for Kids: Several parks around town will keep children entertained.
Escape to Tirthan Valley: A Peaceful Farm Stay
On December 30th, we left Manali and headed to Mohal Village near Kullu for a farm stay. This Airbnb turned out to be the perfect escape from the New Year chaos. The hosts were incredibly gracious, and the location made it easy to explore nearby valleys and even Kasol.https://www.airbnb.com/l/lplK4VDM
Highlights of the Farm Stay
- Kaisdhar Trek: A memorable trek with our daughter, guided by the property owner.
- Unbeatable Food: The meals were some of the best we’ve ever had.
- Natural Sunlight & Spacious Rooms: Plenty of room for the kids to play and relax.
- Bonfire Evenings: Cozy evenings spent around a bonfire, surrounded by spacious rooms.
- Proximity to the Airport: The farm stay’s location near the airport was convenient.
Conclusion: Why the Right Accommodation Matters
This trip was a reminder of the importance of choosing the right accommodation based on your travel style. Whether you’re looking for peace or adventure, Himachal Pradesh offers so much to explore and enjoy. The right stay can truly elevate your entire experience!
