Manali Village Walk: Local Life, Food & Forest Hike Tour

Summary

Explore Hidden Manali Villages & Mountain Traditions

If you want to really see Manali beyond the usual crowds—meet locals, try home-cooked food, and walk through forests most visitors never find—this tour’s for you. It’s relaxed, genuine, and gives you a taste of real mountain life.

What’s the experience like?

The morning air in Manali’s hills is cool—almost sharp. We started off from the edge of Old Manali, following a narrow path that wound past apple orchards and the odd barking dog. Our guide, Rajesh, grew up here; he pointed out a wooden house with slate tiles, explaining how families still use firewood for heating. You could smell it—smoky and sweet, drifting from the chimneys.

We ducked into a tiny kitchen where our hosts were already busy. Chai simmered on the stove, and I tried my hand at rolling out siddu (a local bread). Lunch was simple but filling: red rice, rajma, and tangy chutney. The family chatted about the weather—apparently, it’d rained hard last night, so the forest would be damp. You really notice how time slows down here.

The hike after lunch took us through pine forests that felt untouched. There weren’t any other tourists around—just us and the sound of woodpeckers somewhere overhead. The ground was soft underfoot, a little slippery from last night’s rain. When we finally reached the ridge for camping, you could see all of Manali below—tiny houses scattered between green slopes. Dinner was cooked over a small fire, and honestly, nothing tastes quite like dal eaten outdoors with cold mountain air nipping at your cheeks.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Village Life and Forest Camping

• Visit old mountain house
• Interact with locals and learn daily life
• Lunch with local family
• Hike in virgin forest
• Camp on hilltop with eagle views

Top questions

Is this tour suitable for beginners or people who don’t hike often?

Yes—it’s mostly gentle walking with plenty of breaks. The forest path can get muddy if it rained recently but our guide helps everyone along.

What kind of food will we eat during the tour?

You’ll have traditional Himachali dishes like siddu (steamed bread), rajma (kidney beans), red rice, and homemade chutneys—all cooked by local families.

Do I need to bring my own camping gear?

No need! Tents and basic bedding are provided at the campsite on the ridge. Just bring warm clothes—it gets chilly at night.

What’s included

Your private transport is sorted both ways. All meals—breakfast, lunch with locals, dinner at camp—are included. Guides from the area lead every step. Just bring your curiosity (and maybe an extra sweater).