My Solo Travel Experience in Manali: A Journey of Adventure, Peace & Self-Discovery
Introduction: Answering the Call of the Mountains
There comes a time in everyone’s life when the heart craves silence, the soul seeks freedom, and the mind needs a reset. For me, that time arrived quietly—after years of working in the city, endlessly scrolling through others’ travel stories, and feeling like I was watching my life from the sidelines.
That’s when I decided to take my first solo trip.
I chose Manali, a picturesque hill town in Himachal Pradesh, not just for its beauty, but for its promise of both peace and adventure. What followed was a week that changed me in ways I never expected.
🚌 Day 1: Arrival – A Long Journey and a Warm Welcome
I boarded an overnight Volvo bus from Delhi to Manali, booked via RedBus. The ride was long—almost 13 hours—but I barely slept. The anticipation was too exciting.
As the morning light broke through the bus window, revealing snow-dusted peaks and pine-covered hills, I felt my worries slowly melt away.
📍 Where I Stayed:
I checked into Zostel Old Manali, a cozy, colorful backpacker hostel. It had an open terrace with panoramic mountain views, quirky murals, and an instant sense of community. The dorm bed cost me ₹450 per night—affordable, safe, and solo-traveler friendly.
That evening, I sat around the bonfire with fellow travelers from across India and the world. We shared stories, chai, and laughter like we’d known each other forever.
🕉️ Day 2: Exploring Old Manali – Spiritual Corners & Riverside Cafés
I began my day with a short walk across a wooden bridge into Old Manali, a place that felt suspended in time. Cobbled streets, vibrant Tibetan flags, charming cafés, and friendly locals made it feel like home almost instantly.
🛕 Places I Visited:
- Hidimba Devi Temple: Surrounded by tall cedar trees, this ancient temple had a mystic energy. I sat quietly for a while, absorbing the calm.
- Manu Temple: A short uphill walk brought me to this peaceful temple believed to be where sage Manu meditated.
☕ Café Experiences:
- Café 1947: I had breakfast by the river, reading a book while sipping cappuccino and listening to soft indie music.
- Drifters’ Café: For lunch, I ordered Israeli Shakshuka and struck up a conversation with a solo traveler from Brazil.
- The Lazy Dog: I ended the day with pasta and live music under fairy lights.
Solo travel had never felt so comforting.
🪂 Day 3: Solang Valley – Where I Took a Leap of Faith
Adventure day. I joined a group I met at the hostel and booked a shared cab to Solang Valley—around 40 minutes from Manali. The scenery was surreal: snow peaks, open meadows, and laughter in the air.
🌟 Activities I Tried:
- Paragliding: This was the highlight. Running off a cliff with a parachute was both terrifying and liberating. The 15-minute flight gave me a bird’s-eye view of Solang’s green beauty and white mountains. I screamed out of joy!
- Zorbing: Rolling downhill inside a giant plastic ball? Why not!
- Ropeway Ride: I took the Solang Ropeway for panoramic views of the valley.
🎒 Tip for Solo Travelers:
Keep your belongings safe and avoid going with the cheapest operators for adventure sports—safety first.
🌐 Want to know more about adventure activities in Solang Valley? Check out this detailed guide by Himachal Tourism:
👉 Adventure Activities in Solang Valley – Himachal Tourism
🌊 Day 4: Vashisht Village & Jogini Waterfall – My Moment of Peace
Craving solitude, I took an auto to Vashisht Village, just 3 km from Manali. The vibe was serene, spiritual, and simple.
I soaked in the natural hot water springs at Vashisht Temple—perfect to relax tired muscles.
Then, I began a light trek to Jogini Waterfall. The trail took me through forest paths, wooden bridges, and apple orchards. It was a solo trek, but I felt safe, alive, and in sync with nature.
At the waterfall, I sat on a rock, pulled out my journal, and wrote down everything I’d felt on the trip so far.
It wasn’t just about the destinations—it was about the silence I had made peace with.
🎨 Day 5: Café Hopping & Solo Conversations
This day was all about taking it slow.
📚 My Café Hopping Trail:
- Sunshine Café: Had a beautiful open view of the valley. Perfect for writing.
- Rendezvous Café: Chatted with a couple from Spain who had been traveling across Asia for 6 months.
- Born Free Café: Attended an open mic session. I didn’t perform, but I shared a story with strangers over coffee.
There’s something magical about being alone in a place that welcomes you like home. Manali doesn’t judge—it embraces.
🌲 Day 6: Van Vihar & Departure – A Bittersweet Goodbye
On my last morning, I visited Van Vihar National Park—a quiet forest park with tall deodar trees, wooden benches, and boating options.
I spent over an hour just sitting in nature, looking up at the trees, breathing the freshest air I’d ever known.
As I boarded my return bus to Delhi that evening, my heart felt full. I didn’t want to leave—but I knew I would return.
💭 Reflections from My Solo Travel Experience in Manali
- Best Moment: Flying solo through the air during paragliding in Solang
- Most Peaceful Spot: Jogini Waterfall
- Favorite Café: Drifters’ Café for breakfast & books
- Biggest Realization: I don’t need company to feel complete
🧳 Tips for Solo Travelers Visiting Manali
| Aspect | Tip |
|---|---|
| Stay | Choose hostels like Zostel or The Hosteller to meet other solo travelers |
| Transport | Use shared cabs, autos, or walk for nearby attractions |
| Safety | Avoid late-night solo walks in remote areas; keep emergency contacts ready |
| Budget | Manali is affordable – ₹700–₹1000/day is enough for stay + food + activities |
| Essentials | Carry a power bank, raincoat (weather changes fast), and ID copies |