THIS IS HOW I SURVIVE WINTERS IN HIMACHAL PRADESH

Snowfall in the picturesque town of Vashisht, Manali, is usually a much-anticipated event, marking the beginning of a serene winter wonderland. However, this year, the snowfall came fashionably late, starting in February, surprising the residents with its delayed arrival.

Despite the tardiness, when the snow finally made its grand entrance, it did so with gusto, blanketing the landscape in a thick layer of snow, reaching up to three to four feet at our humble homestay - The Mountain House Manali.

Growing up in regions characterized by hot and humid climates, such as Gujarat and Kerala, snow was a distant dream for me. Summers were synonymous with long journeys from one hot city to another, traversing the vast expanse of India to reunite with extended family relatives in Kerala. It wasn't until my relocation to New Delhi for higher studies that I encountered my first taste of bone-chilling cold, famously known as "Dilli ki Sardi."

However, it wasn't until my adventurous exploits in the Himalayan region, exploring destinations like Leh Ladakh, Kasol, Spiti and Sach Pass, that I truly understood the magnitude of cold that nature could unleash. Despite the challenges, each trip reshaped my perspective, laying the groundwork for a life-altering decision to embark on a solo journey of self-discovery.

Fast forward to the present, and I find myself settled in the breathtaking valleys of Manali, co-running a cozy café and homestay with my partner, whom I serendipitously met during my mountain escapades. Over the past six years, I've learned to embrace the rhythm of life in the mountains, particularly during the unforgiving winters and relentless snowfall seasons.

The initial years posed significant challenges, especially acclimating to the bone-chilling temperatures and shouldering the responsibilities of managing both household chores and attending to guests at the homestay. Additionally, the prospect of hiking down snow-covered trails filled me with dread, threatening to overshadow the beauty of the snowy landscapes.

However, in facing these challenges head-on, I discovered resilience and devised strategies to not only survive but thrive during the harsh winters. Here's a guide distilled from my experiences on how i survive winters in the hills:

1. Mastering the Basics: Preparation is key. Over the years, I have mastered the art of storing ration and essential items. I always check the weather app to know for sure what weeks will snow so that we stock up at the right time. We have this old wooden storage box that keeps rice, dal and aata fresh for months. So, we use that to store these items. Veggies are restocked every week or 10 days. And so is our muchies box - this is an essential item for when it snows, majority time we are watching Netflix trying to catch up on all the series and movies recommended to us by our guests throughout the year. Subscribing to snow shower warnings and government weather alerts has proven invaluable in planning timely market runs. This has been a life saver for sure!

2. Conquering Fear through Action: To overcome my fear of hiking in snow, I adopted a gradual approach, starting with small walks during snowfall to build confidence. Through persistence and practice, I've become adept at navigating snowy trails independently (for most parts). This snow season, we hiked down in a snow storm just because we were craving for dessert. Now, knowing that a Blueberry Cheesecake is waiting for you, one can always hike through slippery and slushy snow. Right?!

3. Investing in Quality Gear: Equipping myself with sturdy shoes, cozy clothing, and locally handwoven woolen socks has been a game-changer in combating the cold. Layering lightweight jackets and fleece sweaters ensures warmth without sacrificing comfort, while supporting local artisans adds a meaningful touch to my winter wardrobe. I get my handwoven socks, leg warmers and beanies from She Weaves Wonders - a unit run by local women in Manali. The woolen items are handwoven by them and it is supremely warm! You too can shop from them directly. My search for thermals - thin, lightweight but ones that keep you really warm is still ON! Let me know if you swear by any brand for the same in the comments section.

4. Finding Joy in Daily Rituals: I have started helping out my partner in wood chopping and wood collection activity for the tandoor/bukhari. Earlier, I would dread stepping out but as I said, I had to step out of my comfort zone and make it a happy experience at the same time. So now, I suit-up for every trip to the store room to get wood. This is the time I shoot videos and take photos of the homestay. This is also the time, when we play with our dogs. Togo loves snow; Sushi is getting used to it and Mango (the newest addition to this gang) is loving every bit of it! Engaging in these activities not only provides physical warmth but also fills the day with moments of pure joy. I have also started stocking up on the books that I have been wanting to read but could not considering season rush. Embracing indoor hobbies like reading by the tandoor further enriches the winter experience, transforming snowed-in days into opportunities for introspection and planning.

5. Embracing the Unpredictable: With frequent power outages during heavy snowfall, I've learned to adapt by utilizing downtime for productive brainstorming sessions. Whether it's strategizing for our homestay (ideas to be executed, events that can be planned, if any decor needs to be changed or any addition is needed in the rooms or any changes that needs to be done) or crafting customized itineraries for my partner's adventure travel company. Spending this quality time together helps us get an idea of how our season is going to be and we plan our personal travel plans accordingly. These moments of reflection foster creativity and strengthen our bond.

Surviving and thriving in the snowy mountains isn't merely about enduring the cold, but about embracing the beauty and challenges it presents. Each snowfall is a reminder of resilience, adaptability, and the simple joys of mountain life. If you're curious to experience the magic of snowy mountains firsthand, consider visiting our homestay for an unforgettable adventure. After all, there's nothing quite like watching the snow fall for the first time, every time.