Day 1: Discovering Manali's Hidden Charm
Exploring Manali's beauty and darkness
As I stepped into Manali, I couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and nervousness. My dream ride, the ultra Him expedition, was finally about to begin. I had travelled from Srinagar to Manali via Leh with my friend, Lorry, to experience the beauty, toughness, and terrain of the Himalayas.
My first day in Manali felt normal, until I entered Mall Road. The atmosphere was completely different, with Hebrew words and signs everywhere. I was approached by someone who asked if I wanted to buy drugs, which took me by surprise.
This incident happened right in front of the Atal Bihari Vajpayee statue, which was ironic considering the state is ruled by Congress. I later found out that the drug problem in Manali is largely attributed to Israelis and parties in the deep Himachal Forest.
As I explored Old Manali, I discovered a different side of the town. I saw traditional houses made of mud, grass, wood, and stones, which were environmentally friendly and recyclable.
While shopping in Old Manali, I met many locals, most of whom were old-age people with the last name Ram. It was fascinating to see the contrast between Old Manali and Mall Road.
I also came across traditional style homes, which were a testament to the region's rich cultural heritage.
Thank you for reading! 🙏
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