Where is Gulaba and Why It Should Be on Your Bucket List This Year?
Tucked away just 24 km from Manali on the route to Rohtang Pass, Gulaba is that hidden wonder your soul’s been craving. At nearly 8,000 feet above sea level, this quiet hamlet in Himachal Pradesh offers the kind of serenity that most mountain getaways have long forgotten. The best part? It’s unbelievably easy to get to. A scenic 45-minute drive from Manali and voilà, you’ve left the traffic behind and entered a world of open skies. Come winter, the snow-draped roads leading to Gulaba look like something out of a postcard, though do check road access during heavy snowfall.Photo Credits: T.R.A.V.E.L.O.G.U.E via InstagramWhy Gulaba Might Just Be a Better Bet Than Manali or ShimlaLet’s be honest, we all love Manali and Shimla and dream to go there. But today, their charm is often hidden under honking cars, crowded cafes, and endless queues. Gulaba, by contrast, is refreshingly untouched. There are no mall roads or giant resorts here, just nature, peace, and you. You’ll find cleaner air, quieter nights, and starlit skies that make you believe in magic again. And because it lies in Himachal’s eco-zone, the place is beautifully maintained. No plastic overload, no chaotic construction, just a mountain retreat that whispers calm into your every step.Underrated & Unforgettable, Welcome to Gulaba!In Gulaba, adventure and stillness go hand-in-hand. Want to trek? It’s the gateway to the breathtaking Bhrigu Lake Trek, a surreal alpine lake perched at 14,000 feet. Love snow? In winters, Gulaba becomes a dreamland for skiing, snowboarding, and sledging, minus the overcrowded slopes of Solang or Kufri. Fancy a peaceful moment? Sip chai in a meadow while the Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges stretch out before you. Into photography or sketching? Every corner of Gulaba is a canvas of unspoiled Himalayan beauty. It’s the kind of place where you lose track of time and find a little more of yourself.Photo Credits: Monishanegi via InstagramWhere to Stay, What to Eat, and How Much It All Costs!Gulaba is all about cozy homestays and guesthouses where the hospitality is as warm as the chai. Stay with local families, enjoy homemade Himachali meals, and maybe listen to folktales by the bonfire. And the cherry on top? It won’t burn a hole in your wallet. A round trip from Manali is budget-friendly (even more so if you share a cab), and accommodations offer both comfort and character without the hefty price tags. Adventure activities are available through local operators who keep it low-impact and high-quality.So, next time you’re planning a mountain escape, skip the typical favorites.Let Gulaba surprise you with quiet mornings, snow-kissed memories, and soulful sunsets. It’s not just a destination, it’s a gentle whisper from the mountains, inviting you in.
