Explore the Paths Less-Travelled on Your Next Trip to Manali

Plucking Apples at the Orchards

The crispy red apples of the region—Manali's claim to fame—withstand an extremely cold temperature for a prolonged period, resulting in their juicy, sweet taste. On my first visit, I tasted some from a local vendor on Mall Road and made up my mind to visit the orchards someday. August is considered the ideal month for apple plucking. One fine monsoon day, I accompanied my friend to visit the apple orchard in his native village. Most of the terrace farms belong to the villagers and are their major source of income. Every family owns a portion and tends to it through the various stages of apple production. I was introduced to different varieties of apples—golden apples, scarlet red, the pitch red ones and many more. The royal ones were the best; they were the juiciest. To get a wholesome experience, I tried my hand at carefully plucking a few so as not to disturb the unripe ones.

Himachali Marriage Ceremony

Attending a local marriage is one of the best ways to get a feel of a region and its cultural diversity. Himachali weddings are simple ceremonies. The grooms are usually dressed in a long kurta with a turban—typical of the region they belong to—and a long scarf around their necks. The brides shimmer in a lovely long, flowy skirt and dazzling traditional jewellery. A typical Himachali bride can be spotted wearing a large ‘nath’ or nose ring, adorned with intricate designs that are unique to the region she belongs to, in the state. Decked-up neighbours, friends and relatives add to the festivity, softly grooving to local tunes. You might come across a marriage procession on one of your visits, and if invited, don't miss out on experiencing the local warmth and hospitality.

The Offbeat Paths

Manali is surrounded by picturesque valleys, quaint villages, deodar forests, beautiful rivers, waterfalls and some great places to trek. Here are some of the less talked about places that I discovered:

Kharma Valley

Kharma Valley lies in the Manali Wildlife Sanctuary and encircles Manaslu River. You can take a small hike from Old Manali to reach here. You will be able to spot wide varieties of flora and fauna; trees like pine, apple, plums and pears. My favourite moment was an unexpected encounter with a musk deer peeking from behind a tree. I accompanied one of my co-travellers to a place called Yoga Point—one of the best locations to enjoy the tranquil and untouched natural beauty around.

Majach Village

After the pandemic, I was looking for a secluded place in the mountains to work remotely. About half an hour away from Manali, a village named Majach, located along the Manali-Leh highway, fitted the description. To my surprise, it was well connected to the outside world. The place has good accommodations and even a few welcoming homestays, if you wish to stay longer. A good internet connection was all I needed to settle down for a week in this gorgeous settlement.

Fishing at Soyal Village

Nestled between Manali and Naggar, Soyal Village is a picturesque location that exudes an aura reminiscent of Old Manali. It is a highly recommended place if you are looking for a peaceful camping experience. There are three routes to reach Soyal, and if you don't want to miss the path through the tall deodar trees, choose the route with a 24 km long bridge. We followed the same and after reaching Soyal, a small hike took us to our beautiful stay.

You can obtain a fishing license from the Fisheries Department nearby, rent a fishing rod and catch some trout in the stream. You can even have it cooked at any of the cafés around. Vegetarians need not be disappointed as the cafes offer plenty of food options to satisfy your cravings. After your meal, you can enjoy a lazy afternoon by the stream with your friends while capturing Instagram-worthy pictures.

Baror Parsha Waterfall

Situated at Kanyal Road, at a distance of 5 km from Manali, Baror Parsha Waterfall derives its name from the adjacent villages. This place has recently caught the attention of tourists thanks to the combined efforts of the HP Forest Department and the State Government. Though not as well known as the other waterfalls in the area, the untouched natural setting of this place will leave you captivated.

Jana Falls

On a scenic drive from Manali through Naggar, you can include a visit to the beautiful Jana Falls in your itinerary. On reaching, I had a few Himachali dishes in one of the hotels around the parking area. The waterfall is just a short walk away, and you won't miss the stairs that lead to the top of the fall.

Sajla Waterfalls Trek

When planning a visit to Naggar Castle, make sure to include a stop at this waterfall for a delightful monsoon outing. As you begin your trek from a beautiful Himachali-style temple, make your way up to the hidden waterfall. With no steep climbs, you can immerse yourself in the sounds of chirping birds and nature. A small wooden bridge located in front of the waterfall gives it the appearance of a painting.

Lamadugh Trek

Usually open from April to November, this beginner’s trek is quite affordable. It can be done either as a day trek or you can camp for the night. I embarked on the trek with a local guide, moving at my own pace, to witness the vibrant landscapes, majestic peaks, and the beautiful view of Manali. It takes around 5 hours to reach this green meadow, which is a base camp for various long treks in Himachal Pradesh.

Anjani Mahadev Trek

Unknown to most outsiders, the favourite tourist spot of Manali, Solang Valley, also has a hidden and unexplored trek—Anjani Mahadev. It is a day trek and takes around an hour at most. It is perfect for beginners and doubles up as a spiritual destination. The highlight of the place is a Shivalinga on which water falls naturally from a waterfall. This trek is largely overlooked by most people, making it a truly offbeat spot. Interacting with the locals during your travel often leads to such hidden and less explored getaway locations. At times we must venture beyond our itineraries, set aside our thinking hats, and embrace the journey of following an unknown path.