Why I Left the City
Like half of the world, my life was also a relentless loop. The city hustle, the constant grind and the cycle of projects and deadlines. But I was never someone chasing titles or climbing the corporate ladder. I had always known I wanted to build something of my own, something meaningful, on my terms. Still, it was easy to get swept into the pace of it all.
Work kept me busy. The city kept me moving.
And somewhere along the way, I started running without remembering why.
Then the pandemic hit. For many, it was a period of unprecedented disruption. For me, it was an unexpected pause, a forced deceleration that allowed me to truly assess my priorities. The world shifted to remote work, and suddenly, the geographical shackles of a traditional office loosened their grip.
This newfound flexibility made me quit my job and start my marketing consulting practice. While consulting might not always offer the hefty paychecks of a full-time corporate gig, it gave me the autonomy I craved and made the seemingly impossible dream of working from anywhere possible.
And so, I made the leap. I traded the honking for silence, the skyscrapers for snow-capped peaks, and the relentless pace for the slowness of mountain life. I moved to Manali. I still don't know how my husband bought my insane idea and agreed to do something so erratic.
What Changed, Even If I Did Not Plan It
I moved because I loved the mountains and hiking. Because I wanted to wake up closer to the trails, be surrounded by nature, breathe cleaner air, and drink better water. I hoped to build something meaningful around sustainable travel. That story took its own turn, and someday, you will hear that one too.
What I did not fully expect was how much the shift in place would reshape the pace of life.
I no longer think about workouts. I just move more. I walk to get groceries. I climb stairs carved into hills. On a not-so-busy day, I hike because I want to, not because my health app tells me to stay active.
I also eat better, mostly because fresh produce is what is available, and there is not much room or temptation for excess. My consumption reduced naturally, not as a lifestyle choice, but because I stopped being surrounded by things I did not need.
Life here made it easier to make better choices. Without trying too hard.
Why Manali? A Perfect Blend of Serenity and Convenience
Of all the mountain towns, Manali stood out for several compelling reasons:
Internet Infrastructure: In today's remote-first world, reliable internet is non-negotiable. Manali has surprisingly good connectivity, ensuring I can seamlessly connect with clients and manage my consulting projects without a snag.
A Hiker's Paradise: The sheer abundance of hiking trails, ranging from easy strolls to challenging multi-day treks, was a huge draw. Every weekend presents a new opportunity to explore and immerse myself in the stunning Himalayan landscape.
Accessibility: Despite its serene mountain setting, Manali is relatively easy to access from major metro cities. This makes travel convenient for occasional visits back to the city or for friends and family to come and experience mountain life.
Moving to Manali was not just a change of address. It was a shift in how I wanted to live and work. A choice to prioritize well-being without giving up on ambition. A decision to trade noise for quiet, clutter for space, and speed for something slower and more intentional.
That does not mean it is perfect or easy. Mountain life comes with its own set of challenges, and it is definitely not for everyone. And it is rarely as dreamy as Instagram makes it look.
If you are considering a move like this, I wrote another piece on what that actually looks like without filters or romanticism.
