Heading towards Manali? Old Manali is the place to be.
Yes New Manali is a tourist place with many hotels and restaurants, parks & Mall road, but Old Manali will give you a closer glimpse of life in the mountains.
I spent 7 days in Manali and it was the best seven days of me living in the mountains. I was lucky enough to find YOLO Backpackers to get myself an abode. Staying at YOLO made me feel a lot closer to the mountains . It is located next to the river that flows through the valley and has many cafes and scenic spots located at a walk-able distance. Don't read what I write, I'd rather you stay and experience.
Yolo is a super laid back hostel, located in Old Manali. There are so many places you can visit, which is located near the hostel, if you have the 'FREAK' vibe in you.
Lets start from Foooddd!
Sunshine Cafe - Run by a bunch of happy people, I say that because every person working in the cafe looked super confident and happy. They have a wide selection of menu from which you can choose what to savor on. I entered Sunshine after a long - hectic day. Sitting by the river, I decided to munch on Falafel with hot lemon (Yes, the weather asked for it). Walk-in if you enjoy good food with good view.
Rocky Cafe - One of my most favorite cafe in Old Manali. You need to hike a little (for about 15 minutes) to reach Rocky. Walk-in and get yourself any table. They all overlook the mystical Himalayas with a faraway sight of Jogni falls. Don't look at the menu, Just order yourself a Kashmiri Khava for starters, and enjoy the view. It sure is a treat to the eye & taste buds.
Dylan's Toasted & Roasted Coffee House - This coffee house caught my sight as it is located right opposite the hostel. Super cozy coffee house with a few numbers of tables and a movie room. The menu is priced in a super pocket-friendly way with various options to choose from if you're a coffee lover. I landed on A cup of Latte and Chocolate Chip cookies. (Trust me, they do fill this cookie with loads on Nutella in between) It is a must try!
Cafe Kathmandu - This cafe did catch my attention as it said 'Cafe Kathmandu), What better than finding a cafe serving your home food in a foreign land? The cafe is located right next to Old Manali bridge with a very open space and tables overlooking the river. This place is known for serving lip-smacking Trout Fish.
Now, Things to do around the hostel -
Hadimba Temple - One of the most famous temple in Manali, amidst snow-covered mountains. This unique shrine is dedicated to Hidimba Devi. The construction style of the Hadimba Devi temple is entirely different from that of any other temples, with its wooden doorways, walls, and cone-shaped roof.
Manu Temple - Another most visited temple in Manali. Manu Temple is located in Old Manali. The temple is in pagoda structure that offers a glimpse into history and spirituality through its fascinating architecture. You might have to hike up through Old Manali roads to arrive at the temple, but the view than seen from the temples is majestic.
Old Manali Market - Old Manali is not complete without Old Manali Market. After the sun sets, the shops in Old Manali bring a different level of charm to the roads. The locals make the shops look very quirky and colorful. They mostly sell t-shirts, accessories, hemp products, Tibetan clothes, handicrafts, etc.
There are many things one can do in Old Manali. These were the few places I visited which left me awestruck. Even if you do not want to walk around much, Manali has the best view and vibes for a traveler who wishes to do nothing at all yet to soak in the city.
View from YOLO Backpackers after the first fall ❄️
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