Old Manali - A sweet spot in the Himalayas

Tripoto
10th Mar 2020
Photo of Old Manali - A sweet spot in the Himalayas by Johnson John
Day 1

Yes the Himalayan ranges are wide and long, and we know that not every part of Himalayas is scientifically fit for long-term human dwelling. But guess what - we have found one of the few sweet spots including a mix of a Tier 1 city life. A perfect balance between the Himalayan experience, the city buzz in your senses, food & beverage options which never lets you down, tourists from India, Israel, Europe & everywhere, endless cafes with really amazing servings & so much more!

Photo of Lilly Inn & Cafe - Hotel In Manali, Manu Temple Road, Old Manali, Manali, Himachal Pradesh, India by Johnson John
Day 75

We also embarked on a camping trek (the first of my life) into the woods where beetels, butterflies and wild strawberries join you as well along the course of the trek. The camping ground is shaped like a huge hammock, and we met several other campers who came here to make their lives whistle into the nature. Equipped with snow-proof and storm-proof tents, butane cans and stoves, anti-repellants, loads of food and beverages; the camping ground soon turned into a common spot where we joined each other to cook meals and party throughout the nights at the 24x7 bonfire. I did specially enquire if the camping program is safe for women and kids, and the response was positive. The guides / admin teams have a great authority over what they do for us, and are pro-customer when it comes to ensuring that our camping experience is first in class. They even arrange for porters / mountain horses to carry the loads up to the camping point.

The camping ground, a natural hammock

Photo of Lama Dug Natural Valley, Nasogi, Himachal Pradesh, India by Johnson John

Several campers had already tented up to party long!

Photo of Lama Dug Natural Valley, Nasogi, Himachal Pradesh, India by Johnson John
Photo of Lama Dug Natural Valley, Nasogi, Himachal Pradesh, India by Johnson John

Himalayas in the backdrop, it's sort of a #ChappaChappa moment

Photo of Lama Dug Natural Valley, Nasogi, Himachal Pradesh, India by Johnson John

It's all white in snow if you travel in Jan-Mar period

Photo of Lama Dug Natural Valley, Nasogi, Himachal Pradesh, India by Johnson John

There came a blanket of fog, not at all creepy but a soul sweetener

Photo of Lama Dug Natural Valley, Nasogi, Himachal Pradesh, India by Johnson John

The bonfire lasted 4 complete days through the fog & rains too

Photo of Lama Dug Natural Valley, Nasogi, Himachal Pradesh, India by Johnson John

This pool was amazingly super cool - what a natural refrigerator!

Photo of Lama Dug Natural Valley, Nasogi, Himachal Pradesh, India by Johnson John

The mist sweeps on to the hills in great authority! :-)

Photo of Lama Dug Natural Valley, Nasogi, Himachal Pradesh, India by Johnson John

A camper's view of sheep and lambs grazing on the pastures

Photo of Lama Dug Natural Valley, Nasogi, Himachal Pradesh, India by Johnson John

No camera can capture the panorama of Himalayas

Photo of Lama Dug Natural Valley, Nasogi, Himachal Pradesh, India by Johnson John

A short walk to the melting ice sheets is a great & safe option

Photo of Lama Dug Natural Valley, Nasogi, Himachal Pradesh, India by Johnson John

A mini-reservoir formed from the pool of melting ice sheets

Photo of Lama Dug Natural Valley, Nasogi, Himachal Pradesh, India by Johnson John

The load bearers for shepherds when the cattle count is in thousands

Photo of Lama Dug Natural Valley, Nasogi, Himachal Pradesh, India by Johnson John

The more, the merrier!!!

Photo of Lama Dug Natural Valley, Nasogi, Himachal Pradesh, India by Johnson John

These wild strawberries are almost everywhere on the hills (May-June approx)

Photo of Lama Dug Natural Valley, Nasogi, Himachal Pradesh, India by Johnson John

Fellow campers!

Photo of Lama Dug Natural Valley, Nasogi, Himachal Pradesh, India by Johnson John

My stay was lengthened due to the first lockdown, and the subsequent ones which went on until it got better somewhere in July. Having been put up at Lilly Inn, it took me a month of local recceing that the view from Lilly's was indeed a Master View. What I mean is, the ecstatic confluence of 5-6 mountains having freshly snowed caps on them could be best experienced only from this place. And I sank into joy as I felt a hug from mother nature.

That's the old phone number for Lilly, please check other sources for new number.

Photo of Old Manali - A sweet spot in the Himalayas by Johnson John

What does it mean to Work From Himalayas?! Oops.. Get a first hand experience ;-)

Photo of Old Manali - A sweet spot in the Himalayas by Johnson John

The caretaker(s) at Lilly, the landlords, the music and food at the café, the sheer amount of superior convenience, a pro-panoramic view of the Himalayas and the songs of nature makes Lilly Inn & Café a must-try venue at least once in your lifetime. It is safe for kids, women, and senior citizens too; and the shopping plus dining areas nearby are sure to vaccinate your soul and heart with a lot of energy.