by Life should be slow, and it must be slow! Well, you might have read a lot about this, but Soyal Village Manali, or Soil Village Manali as it is sometimes called, is the place where you will truly realize it.
Introduction to Soyal Village Manali
When in Kullu, you will commonly hear two terms: Left Bank and Right Bank. Before you put your brain to work, it usually refers to the side of the Ravi River you are on. So basically, your left bank will become the right bank on returning from Manali. So, if you are thinking of exploring a place still shrouded in mystery or a true offbeat location in Manali, it has to be Soyal village Manali.
Around 7 km from Manali on the way to Kullu, you shall have to take a diversion at Mansari, which is now a pucca road going up to Soyal Village Manali.
Why is it a hidden gem, you might end up asking me? Well, there are numerous reasons for the same that make Soyal village Manali, a true hidden gem.
Tranquility and Peace of Soyal Village Manali
Located amidst raw nature Soyal Village will provide you with an opportunity to be one with nature. The hustle and bustle of city life shall be left far behind when you are in Soyal village Manali. The chirp of birds, the roar of the Beas, and the fresh breath of air shall make you feel instantly that you are in real heaven.
This tranquility and peace of Soyal village shall take you towards the organic way of life too. If you spend some days in Soyal village Manali, you will find that people here are into the organic style of living. Fresh-grown vegetables without a trace of chemicals and fresh farm apples grown organically will provide you with nourishment to the extent that many prefer to live in this solitude for a long time.
You get an opportunity to take a riverside walk along the Beas, try your hand at some mountain adventure activities, and walk on some trekking trails that will test your endurance.
The unique hospitality of the locals in Soyal Village Manali will make you feel at home all the while away from the hustle and bustle of city life, from which you are seeking some respite.
Soyal Village Trek Difficulty and Route Map
There are many ways of reaching the Soyal village Manali. Either you can hire a taxi or a bike from any rental service in Manali and explore this region. Alternatively, you can travel on any bus that goes on Kullu Naggar Road. You shall have to alight from the bus at Haripur, just before the Indian Oil Petrol Pump. On the left side of the road, a one-way paved road goes up to Soyal village Manali, which is 1.8 km further up on this trail.
However, do not expect any bus service on this road, and if luck is by your side, you might get a lift from any villager going by. Otherwise, this is a walk for around an hour. Just before the Soyal village Manali, the patch of road gets narrow and unpaved. The 20-minute trail can best be done on foot, and you will reach Soyal village Manali, a small offbeat village where you will find traditional houses made in Kathkuni architecture.
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What to do in Soyal Village Himachal Pradesh
Offbeat locations are for those who love being in solitude, and Soyal Village Manali, is for such a set of people too.
Nature walks & Treks
Be one with nature in Soyal, as this is the prime reason you are here. Tall deodar forests will make you feel embedded in nature, and you should walk the length and breadth of Soyal village Manali, once you are here. This will give you an idea of how different life is in the scheduled mountains of Himachal Pradesh. “A word of caution, though—do not venture into the deep forest without any local guide, as the region is densely forested and has wild animals. You would not like an encounter with a bear in such a scenario!
Interaction with Locals
The locals in Soyal village Manali, are welcoming indeed. You will rarely find such genuine smiles on faces anywhere, if not in Soyal. Be it your first time or your endless visit, you will find each villager in Soyal village with a story of their own. Do listen to these tales with some conviction; only then will you get the real essence of being in an offbeat location.
Photography
Do you love clicking pictures? Are you into Instagram and Pinterest? Well, if the answer is yes, Soyal village Manali, is heaven for you. The moment you begin your trail to the village, every twist and turn, you will feel like clicking some photos. The nature is so pristine in this valley that every picture you click might get a million hits if you are into photography and know the art of capturing the essence of the mountains.
You can also click some unique forest views, traditional houses with locals dressed in traditional clothes, and pictures of natural streams flowing alongside the village, and get some elegant golden hour shots for your Instagram too!
Enjoying Local Cuisine
Every house in the village cooks something unique. Of the numerous dishes you can try in Soyal village Manali, Siddu is going to be your favorite. Fresh steamed sweet and salty siddu are the popular ones here, and you can check out some of these in local cafes, which are located on the outer fringes of the village.
Meditation or Slow Travel Activities
Once you are on the outskirts of Soyal village Manali, you will come to the river edge, which is a great place for doing some meditation and connecting with oneself. Even if you have come on a day trip to Soyal village, you can spend some quality time meditating on the edges of Soyal village. You will find true peace and eternity here, and it is for this reason only that Himachal Pradesh is known as the land of the Gods, or Devbhoomi.
Homestays and Accommodation in Soyal Village Manali
There are numerous options to stay in Soyal Village Manali. If you wish to stay in Soyal for a duration ranging from 1 day to 1 week, a two-bedroom apartment with an attic is available and can be the best one indeed. This cabin is located in an apple orchard in Soyal village Manali, and will give you a true insight into being in a true Himalayan village.
You will get all the modern amenities like high-speed Wi-Fi, a washing machine, a mini kitchen, and a garden, which will be truly yours till the time you are here. You can get in touch with the owner at +919971031599.
Best Time to Visit
Spring & Summer (April to June)
During these months, the snow cover has still not vanished from the mountain peaks, and you will get an insightful view of the surroundings from Soyal village during these months. Do carry your woolens, though, as it is quite cold during the evenings, and rains during any of these months can further cause a dip in the temperatures.
Autumn (September to November)
These are my favorite months, and I recommend them too if you are planning to visit Manali and Soyal Village Manali in particular. The ambiance of the place turns truly green post-monsoon, and you can also feel the chill in the air, particularly if you are here during late October or early November.
You should ideally be avoiding harsh winter months from December to February, and should come only in case you are prepared to fight it out in the snow. It does look like a fairy tale during these months, but life is tough, and only if you wish to get a real taste of the raw Himalayas and its tough life in an offbeat location like Soyal should you think about coming here during extreme winters.
Responsible & Sustainable Travel Tips
Carry Trash Bags
Do not litter. You should carry trash bags and take all the waste back and dispose of it properly at the designated spot.
Support Local Homestays or Guides
When coming to an offbeat location like Soyal, it is indeed your responsibility to contribute to making the lives of locals better. The best you can do is to stay at a local homestay and hire the services of locals in the village to show you around and make your trip truly an occasion worth remembering.
Avoid Loud Noises and Plastic Usage
You are amidst raw nature when in the Soyal village Manali. Respect the sentiments of nature and do not indulge in any action that causes noise or litters the place. Plastic use is banned in Himachal Pradesh, and take care that you do not carry any of your stuff in plastic bags.
Be Respectful of Villagers and Their Customs
Lastly, you should be respectful of villagers and their customs. The Manali region is known for its diverse customs, and each village has its own local Devta, or God. Do ensure that you pay due respect while visiting any of the local temples, and do talk to the priest beforehand about rituals to be followed. Show respect, and the locals will treat you like God. After all, you are in the Land of Gods, or Devbhoomi, which we all know as Himachal Pradesh!
