A day in Old Manali

Manali is an all time favorite getaway destination for tourists. Every year Manali attracts atleast 2-3lakhs tourists, specially in summer time. People in the Northern part of India often travel to Manali to spend a day or two in the hill station. There are various places to visit in Manali, but very few visit old Manali. 

Old Manali is connected by a trail with Manali town, which passes through the famous Hadimba devi temple and through the forest. The trail is dramatic, adventurous and gives you a majestic view of mountains. Also its well connected by a pucca road where usually the traffic moves. Cross Manalsu River Bridge to enter Old Manali area. To your right will be the club house where tourists can enjoy indoor games and witness exhibitions organized to sell garments and local products. I would suggest to take the walking trail, and I'm pretty sure you'll enjoy it.

Trail to Old Manali from Manali town via Hadimba Devi temple

Manalsu River Bride and Old Manali from top

Old Manali is full of old cafes, bars etc. Some are too expensive and some are pocket friendly. There are a number of bakery shops. Most of shops here remain closed in winters. They reopen again in summer, like in end of April or in the beginning of May.

Old Manali has a very less number of hotels compared to Manali town. There are a number of villages. You'll get the essence of actual Himachal, if you stroll through the alleys of this place. You can see traditional wooden houses of locals and concrete guest houses together. House are surrounded by apple orchards and almost all houses keep cows in their house. View of surrounding snow capped mountains and greenery around with pleasant climate encourage tourists to stay here for a long duration.

Alleys of Old Manali

Old traditional wooden house

As we know Kullu and Manali are famous for its Shawls. Here the people's living is mainly dependent on their business of Shawls. There are no factories, all products are hand made at their homes. I saw a lot of women weaving shawls with a manual machine in the balcony of their house.

An old woman weaving shawls at her house

After passing hotels, markets there is a road on right which will take you to a temple called Manu Temple, which is a Lord Shiva's Temple. The temple is now remodeled but it has the traditional wood carvings around the main temple. This place has a lovely scenic beauty.

View of the Manu temple from top

The slopes of  Old Manali are full of apple orchards and surrounded by beautiful snow capped mountains. 

Apple orchards without fruit in winters

  

Treks from Old Manali:
There are a number of treks from Old Manali. Out of those, these are some of the famous: one is to Solang Nalla (11km) and other is to Goshal village (2km).

How to reach Manali:
The most easiest and convenient way to reach Manali is to take Delhi to Manali Bus route. Himachal Pradesh Tourism buses operates on Delhi to Manali bus route. AC volvo buses will cost you around Rs.1400-1800 per person. Buses usually leave from the Kashmere Gate Interstate Bus Terminus.

Accommodations in Old Manali:

There are few guest houses and hotels in Old Manali that you may take you may take up as an option if you're traveling with your family. Google them and find the one that best suits you!

And if you're a solo backpacker or you're traveling with your friend then the best option is to stay at Zostel, Manali. Zostel has a number of dorms, and twin bed rooms available. Check their Website. 

N.B.- The Zostel is located in an interior area. You have to walk for 5-6mins from the main road. You can also use Google Maps to reach the destination.