Manali Was Never on My List — But This Trip Changed Everything
Honestly, Manali was never on my travel list. The only image I had of it was crowded streets, packed cafés, and endless traffic jams. The kind of chaos I usually try to escape. I always imagined it as “not my kind of place.” But sometimes, plans you never thought of sneak into your heart.
It was early December, just before the holiday rush began. I thought, why not take the chance now, before the place fills up with the holiday crowd? And there was one thing I had always wanted to see: Atal Tunnel. So I just packed my bags, started the car, and set out.
Kullu — Two Days of Pure Solitude by the River
My first stop was Kullu. I stayed at this secluded property, privately owned by some known people — can’t really mention the name since it’s not a commercial place. For two whole days, I had the entire place to myself. Just me, the calming sound of the river, and the occasional knock from the housekeeping staff bringing home-style meals.
I did absolutely nothing! Afternoon naps, binge-watching Pakistani dramas on YouTube, and reading. You’re probably thinking — “Wait, you went to Kullu and didn’t roam around?” But that’s the thing… sometimes travel isn’t about running around to tick off ‘Top 5 attractions.’ Sometimes, it’s about slowing down, sitting still, and letting the place and your thoughts sink in.
A Detour to Naggar Castle
After two days of complete relaxation, I set off towards Manali. The morning I was leaving Kullu, I found my windshield covered in a sheet of ice — in the first week of December! I was honestly thrilled like a child. On my way, I took a detour to Naggar Castle — and I’m so glad I did.
A charming old wooden and stone castle perched on a hill, with stunning carvings and even better views. Tourists were busy making reels and clicking selfies, but I found a quiet spot, sat down, and just soaked it all in. Moments like this remind me that sometimes, beauty isn’t about doing something, it’s about just being present.
Manali — Where Strangers Made Me Feel at Home
I reached Manali and checked into Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels, Hamsa. Nestled in Burwa Village, this serene retreat is a welcome escape from the usual tourist bustle.The road leading to the hotel was narrow, passing through a quiet little village. For a moment, I questioned my choice. But as soon as I arrived, all doubts faded away.The place was stunning — warm, welcoming, and the staff went out of their way to make me feel welcomed.
The people there were so caring — they didn’t just look after me, they cheered me on, especially when I told them about my plan to drive along the Leh highway. They encouraged me, saying, “You’ve come this far solo, you can totally do the Leh highway drive too, even all the way to Shinkula!” Their words stayed with me.
I also made a conscious decision to skip the usual Old Manali hotspots. No cafes, no crowds. I wanted this trip to be about the road, the mountains, and me. And that decision turned out to be the best gift I gave myself.
Atal Tunnel & Beyond — The Drive That Changed Everything
The next morning, I started early, heading towards the much-awaited Atal Tunnel. And honestly, it exceeded all my expectations. A 9-km stretch that felt like traversing into a different world altogether.
While driving along the Manali-Leh highway, something about those wide, empty roads gave me a sense of peace I can’t put into words. The road was hauntingly quiet, almost deserted—there was hardly any traffic. I stopped countless times, not because I had to, but just to soak in the silence, to capture the beauty, and sometimes to simply stand still and breathe and to feel the freedom that only solo road trips can offer. Every now and then, a few cabs or local vehicles would pass by, and the passengers inside would give me these curious, almost surprised looks — as if silently asking, “Are you really driving all alone on this route?”
What touched me the most was how, despite the deserted vibe, I never felt unsafe. Cabs and vehicles would occasionally pass by, and the curious stares from people inside — wondering about a solo woman driver on this route — didn’t make me feel out of place. If anything, it made me feel stronger. That’s the thing about Himachal — its warmth goes beyond its landscapes. It’s moments like these that make you fall even more in love with Himachal — not just for its postcard-perfect views, but for the feeling it gives you: even in solitude, you have a place, a purpose, and a sense of connection.
Shinkula Pass — A Moment of Silence, Strength & Self-Belief
As I kept driving, one turn led to another, and before I even realised it — I was standing at Shinkula Pass, at an altitude of 16,615 feet. Standing there, completely alone, surrounded by towering snow-clad mountains, icy winds brushing against my face, and not a single soul in sight — it was a moment I’ll never forget. It wasn’t just about reaching a high-altitude pass, it was about reaching a new high within myself.
I stood there quietly, letting the silence seep into me. No distractions, no rush, just the sound of the wind and my own heartbeat. It felt like the universe had paused, giving me space to realise how far I had come — not just on that road, but in life. Driving solo all the way to Shinkula, crossing that altitude, was a reminder that fear is always there, but courage is what carries you forward. And at 16,615 feet, I wasn’t just above sea level — I was above self-doubt, above limits I had unknowingly placed on myself.
When I finally turned back from Shinkula, I left with more than just pictures. I left with pride, peace, and an unshakable belief in myself. Moments like these make solo travel so much more than a trip — they make it a conversation between you and your soul and for the first time in a long time, I felt enough.
I couldn’t help but feel so thankful, proud of myself, and honestly, a little emotional in the best possible way. The kind of emotion only solo travellers will understand — when the journey becomes less about the destination and more about who you’ve become along the way.
This wasn’t just another destination — this was a moment that whispered: “If I can do this, I can do anything.”
Driving Back — A Heart Full of Gratitude and Pride
The drive back was emotional. The roads, the hills, the sky — everything felt different. The kind words from strangers at the hotel, the confidence I found behind the wheel, the realisation that solo travel isn’t about bravery, it’s about knowing you’ve got your own back.
And honestly? That’s the beauty of travel. Sometimes the destination surprises you, and sometimes you surprise yourself.
This trip didn’t just give me memories, it gave me belief that….this is just the beginning — my next solo milestone will be driving all the way to Leh, and I know I will make it happen soon.
As a traveler, we’re always conditioned to ‘explore,’ to run around and tick off must-visit places. But this time, I allowed myself the luxury of just being. Slow mornings, quiet evenings, and that rare, beautiful feeling of being content with doing nothing at all.
Final Thoughts
So if you’ve ever thought Manali is just about cafes and crowds, I hope my story shows you another side. A side where solo travel is less about ‘sightseeing’ and more about self-seeing.
Amazing post. I must say you are very inspiring and I liked reading this article because it is so different from the usual travel blogs with so many recommendations. Keep up the good work.
Love experiencing these beautiful places in your posts. amazing work.