Discover Charming Homestays in Old Manali: Your Guide

With its quaint yet commercial vibe, Old Manali is a perfect get-away-from-it-all destination for a change from urban life. Staying in a homestay is one of the best ways to indulge into the local culture and soak in the tranquil beauty of this mountain town. In this article, we will discuss the beauty of homestay in Old Manali and why they are gaining more popularity in India.

Old Manali, known for its mountain views, small cafes and colourful markets is quite different from the more touristy parts of Manali. Budget Accommodation: In this area, homestays are a great mix of comfort, price (many fall under less than 500-600), and cultural interaction.

Why should one choose homestays in Old Manali?

Old Manali homestays are usually family-run establishments, built in traditional Himachali houses. These accommodation types allow you to immerse yourself in the local lifestyle, get to know your friendly hosts, and share in home-cooked meals prepared with farm-fresh, regional ingredients. Most homestays are set in apple orchards or have expansive views of the snow-covered Himalayas, making your mountain holiday picturesque.

A homestay in Old Manali also gives you the benefit of personalized attention. They are often excited to share their knowledge of the area, recommend hidden gems and even assist with local tours or treks. Staying in home stays offers you this insider info which can tremendously level up your travel experience and help you explore out the places of Manali that a conventional hotel stay would miss out on!

Homestay types in Old Manali

Accommodation in Old Manali can generally be arranged in a variety of homestays to cater to different preferences and budgets:

Visit Traditional Himachali homes: These are original wooden houses, with intricate carvings and colourful interiors to get a taste of the real local architecture and design.

Modern day cottages: There are holiday homes for people who prefer the comforts of modern lifestyle in the mix of tradition (traditional exteriors with modern-day interiors with all possible facilities)

Environment conscious options: Few homestays are eco-friendly and use solar power, organic farming and other sustainable steps.

Farmstays: These provide an opportunity to experience rural life, often involving activities such as apple picking or assisting with farm chores.

What to look forward to in an Old Manali homestay

Typically facilities differ with each homestay but most homestays in Old Manali have hot water, wi fi, and clean, comfortable rooms. Most also have common areas where guests can lounge, read or mingle with other travelers. Many homestays even come with balconies or terraces from where you can gaze at the beautiful setting while sipping on your morning chai or evening unwind.

Homestays usually have a more casual and laid-back vibe than hotels, however. This means you could end up chatting with your hosts at breakfast or spending evenings with other guests at ad-hoc music sessions.

Old Manali Homestays that Serve Culinary Delights

Food is one of the best part about staying in a homestay where you get to eat the real Himachali food! Many hosts boast about serving traditional food prepared with locally sourced ingredients. Specialties like Siddu (steamed bread stuffed with walnuts), Babru (a type of flatbread) or the famed Himachali Dham (a multi-course feast) may grace your palate.

Some homestays also provide cooking lessons so you can learn to make local foods under the watchful eye of your host. It can be a fun and engaging way to bring back a little piece of Himachali culture with you.

Activities and experiences

An Old Manali homestay helps you a lot in exploring the attractions. Many hosts will help you book things, like:

Hiking to nearby viewpoints or waterfalls

Go to ancient temples like Hadimba Temple

Many cafes and shops in Old Manali

River rafting in Beas River

Explore the nearby villages for a taste of the rural Himachali life

How to book your Old Manali homestay

Homestays have been on the rise, so finding the Academy in Old Manali is a no-brainer. Websites like MakeMyTrip, Airbnb and other Booking. com list various options. But for the true experience, connect straight with homestays via their websites or social media pages.

When making a reservation, it is a good idea to be in contact with your host regarding your needs, particularly if you have dietary restrictions or require certain amenities. Most hosts are friendly to special requests if made in advance.

THE HOMESTAY EXPERIENCE

Just remember, the best homestay experiences are open to this, so make the most of your homestay experience in Old Manali! So, this is not just a place to stay but experience Himachali hospitality and carry memories long after your trip.

No matter you are a solo traveler who want to get acquainted with local life, or a couple who wish for a romantic retreat at mountain sides or you are a family who want their children to take a dive in different lifestyles,homestays in old manali provide every little thing that you. Therefore, on your next visit to this resplendent Himalayan town, go beyond the usual hotels and soak up the local charm and culture at a homestay. This could well be the highlight of your Manali experience!

FAQs

Q1:How much do homestays in Old Manali cost on average?

The prices of Homestays start from ₹500 in Old Manali and can go up to ₹2500 per night depending on the season and the services offered.

Q2:Homestays in Old Manali are family friendly?

Yes, most homestays in Old Manali are family-friendly and have large rooms and home-cooked food. Always verify amenities with the host that may be family-friendly.

Q3:When is the ideal time for a homestay experience in Old Manali?

The ideal travel time with the best conditions is from March to June and September to November. Winters (December to February) are snowy, but some homestays may be closed.

Q4:Do Old Manali homestays include meals?

Most homestays serve breakfast and many, meals when requested. Some even conduct cooking lessons for traditional Himachali food.

Q5:Distance of Old Manali from Main Manali town?

Old Manali is 2-3 km from the main Manali town, a short taxi ride or a 20-30 minute walk away.