Hidden Cafes: Beyond the Mainstream

While everyone flocks to Mall Road, head to Old Manali and Vashisht for a soul-filling vibe.

Cafe	Vibe	Must-Try
Kilta Cafe (Vashisht)	Tiny, artisanal, and serious about beans.	Best pour-over coffee in the valley.
Cafe Meraki (Old Manali)	Minimalist, quiet, and perfect for digital nomads.	Herbal teas & Hummus platter.
Rocky’s Cafe	Located high up near Manu Temple with a stunning valley view.	Breakfast platters & Shakshuka.
Sunshine Cafe	Quaint with green-brick walls and a hippie soul.	Hot Chocolate & Israeli cuisine.
Fat Plate (Naggar Rd)	Set in an apple orchard away from the town noise.	Bacon-wrapped chicken & Apple Pie.

Pro Tip: For a true hidden gem, look for Mingma Cafe in Old Manali—it's a "hole-in-the-wall" spot that locals swear by for chocolate chip cookies.

❄️ Snow Points: Escaping the Solang Crowds

Solang Valley is often "tourist central." If you want pristine snow and peace, try these alternatives:

1. Sethan Valley (The Igloo Village)

Located about 12 km from Manali, Sethan is a Buddhist hamlet that stays snow-covered long after the town melts.

Best for: Staying in an actual Igloo, snowboarding, and stargazing.
Access: You’ll need a 4x4 vehicle or a local taxi to navigate the 35 hairpin bends.

2. Sissu (Via Atal Tunnel)

Drive through the 9 km long Atal Tunnel to enter a different world. While Manali might be green, Sissu is almost always a frozen tundra in winter.

Highlight: The frozen Sissu Waterfall and the pristine Sissu Lake.
Vibe: Stark, rugged, and much less crowded than Solang.

3. Gulaba

On the way to Rohtang Pass, Gulaba is the "last point" when Rohtang is closed. It offers massive meadows of thick snow.

Best for: Snow trekking and "slow-mo" snow videos without a thousand people in the background.

4. Kothi Village

Located at the base of Rohtang Pass, it offers deep gorges and a quiet, snow-laden forest view that feels straight out of a movie.

🧭 Quick Travel Tips for 2025

Transport: Rent a scooter or Royal Enfield for Old Manali, but hire a 4x4 Gypsy for Sethan or Sissu if it has snowed recently.
Connectivity: 5G is now widely available in Manali town, but expect it to drop to 4G/3G in Sethan.
Permits: If you plan to drive to Rohtang Pass, remember to book your permit online at least 2 days in advance (though it's usually closed Jan–May).