Backpacking Diaries

Up here on Manu Temple Road, things are a bit different than they are in the busier parts of the city. We are Backpacking Diaries, and our place is right near the Govt. Primary School in Old Manali. You can hear the kids playing during the day, which is actually quite nice. The air is cold most of the year and we usually have a heater going in the corner. We get a lot of travelers who are carrying big packs and looking for a place to rest or some advice on which trail to take. The building is simple and we haven't done much to it other than adding some local wood furniture. It feels very much like a mountain spot. We spend a lot of time talking about the weather because that’s what matters most when you are in the hills. Sometimes the internet goes out when it snows or rains too hard, so we just sit around and talk instead. It is a slow pace of life compared to other places. We don't have any fancy brochures or a big marketing plan. We just like being in the mountains and helping people who feel the same way. It is a bit of a walk to get up here, but the view of the valley is worth it. We just keep things basic and try to make sure everyone feels welcome when they walk in, even if the floor is a bit dusty from the trail.