Igloos! Eskimos! -The first thing that pops in our head when we hear about Arctic Circle. As much as snow cladded areas can be fascinating, however,I always was quite intruded to stay in snow-covered huts. Have you ever wondered if you could find this fascinating thing in India itself?Surprised! Worry not, the answer is yes, thanks to the awesome travel advisor at Destino’s India, my childhood fantasy of living in an Igloo came true in my recent visit to Manali. These cosy little igloo stays definitely made me feel I am an Eskimo living in the Arctic Circle. Fun right? Having read and heard about these intriguing stays in Manali in various blogs and websites, having experienced it first-hand definitely made me believe it. This being my second visit to Manali and having covered the checklist of what Manali had to offer, me and my partner wanted to do something different. Having slogged for hours before the computer as what could that unusual experience be, I came up with random idea of checking the Igloo stays in Manali. After careful inspection at various websites, I booked a one-night stay package. Since we did not have much of things to do in Manali, decided to spend in solely in this stay.
Took an overnight Volvo from Delhi to Manali and reached in wee hours of the morning all excited about the day ahead. Having reached Manali we where supposed to reach Keylinga Inn in Pirni in Manali Naggar Highway to continue with our journey further towards the igloo campsite. After completing our registration process,we were briefed and provided with snow clothes. Also be aware that once at the altitude of the stay, it is difficult for one to find any phone services. Be ready to be cut off from the world and reconnect with nature in these quaint little stays.
After all the formalities, we boarded a shared 4WD car into the mountains towards the campsite, after 45 mins drive up the mountainous terrain crossing mesmerizing scenery of pine trees and curvy roads, finally, we reached a village. From here it was another 20 minutes walk towards the campsite wading your way in the snow. What? Am I in Iceland? Is the first expression I thought of on reaching the campsite which had small igloo huts with snow made benches and tables to sit around? Upon settling down, we headed for some snow fun. I did some skiing as well as tube sliding giving my inner child the edge. There were some locals making the igloos, I did try my hand in doing some. Funny, I ended up making one which could hardly accommodate human, yet it was worth the experience. After having a sumptuous lunch provided in the camp, rushed to make our snowman, after all, snow fun would seem incomplete without it. With the sun setting down, campfire with music was organised for all. Before hitting the sack after a fun-filled day and music with food-filled evening, we did some exploration the snow, soaking in the snow cladded mountain landscape of Manali in the moonlight. A sight to die for must say!! Our igloo were provided with all basic necessities of warm foam mattresses and hot water for first night in igloo stay.
After a warm night in our quaint little igloo, we woke next morning to crisp winter air and lovely breakfast spread awaiting us. After a hearty breakfast, we were headed back to base camp and then dropped off in Manali bus stand. Must say, what an awe struck experience. Thanks to the Team Destino’s India, who made all the arrangement for me for this memorable Trip.