For years, I had dreamed of escaping the chaos of city life and settling somewhere peaceful, surrounded by nature. Thanks to my permanently remote job, I made that dream a reality by choosing a quaint village near Manali as my base.
Over multiple years, I spent months here, living a simple yet fulfilling life—working with a view of the mountains, enjoying slow village life, and exploring the stunning landscapes of Himachal Pradesh on weekends.
Here’s what life was like in my perfect mountain retreat.
Finding My Home in the Mountains
Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, the village I chose was a world away from the urban rush. The moment I arrived, I knew this was the kind of slow-paced, nature-filled life I had been craving.
My Cozy Mountain Home
🏡 A charming wooden cottage with large windows overlooking the mountains.
🪵 Warm interiors with a fireplace—perfect for chilly evenings.
🌿 A small garden where I enjoyed my morning chai.
It wasn’t just the place; it was the people and the little moments that made it special.
A Simple, Fulfilling Daily Routine
Life here followed a gentle rhythm, very different from my usual city routine.
☀️ Mornings: Wake up to birdsong and fresh mountain air, followed by a hot cup of chai on my porch.
💻 Work Hours: My work setup had a breathtaking view of the Himalayas—no office cubicle could compare!
🍛 Meals: My friendly maid cooked delicious Himachali meals—simple, homely, and full of flavor.
🐶 Companion: A friendly village dog became my loyal companion, often keeping me company on hikes.
🌅 Evenings: A leisurely walk through the village, chatting with locals, followed by a quiet dinner.
I loved the sense of community. My neighbors were incredibly warm, always checking in, sharing fresh produce, and inviting me for chai and conversations.
Weekend Adventures: Exploring the Beauty Around Manali
While my weekdays were peaceful and work-focused, my weekends were all about exploring the stunning places around Manali.
Some of My Favorite Weekend Escapes:
🏔 Solang Valley – Perfect for quick getaways, with skiing in winter and paragliding in summer.
🌲 Hampta Valley – A dreamy, lesser-known spot with lush green meadows and breathtaking views.
💦 Jogini Waterfall – A scenic trek leading to a stunning waterfall, a great spot for a quiet afternoon.
🛕 Hadimba Temple & Old Manali – I often spent relaxed evenings here, soaking in the charm of quaint cafés and local culture.
🏕 Camping by Beas River – Some weekends, I simply camped by the river, enjoying bonfires and the sounds of flowing water.
Each weekend felt like a mini adventure, giving me the best of both worlds—a peaceful village life during the week and exciting explorations on my days off.
Why This Experience Was So Special
✨ The Perfect Work-Life Balance – Being surrounded by nature made me more productive and at peace.
💙 A Sense of Belonging – The village became more than just a place to stay; it felt like home.
🐾 Simple Joys of Rural Life – Waking up to mountain views, friendly faces, and a slower pace of life was truly refreshing.
Living here showed me that happiness isn’t about chasing the next big thing—sometimes, it’s just about finding a place where you feel at peace.
Would You Work from the Mountains?
This chapter of my life has been one of the most fulfilling experiences. If you ever get a chance to work remotely from the mountains, I highly recommend it!
💬 Have you ever dreamed of working from a quiet mountain village? Or do you already have a favorite remote work spot? Let me know in the comments!
