For many working professionals in bustling metro cities, moving to the tranquil mountains remains a cherished dream. Ajay Sharma, a resident of Delhi, decided to turn this common fantasy into a real-life experiment. In May this year, he left behind the fast-paced life of the capital and moved to Siyal, a small village near Manali in Himachal Pradesh. Rather than visiting as a temporary vacationer, his goal was to live like a local resident and experience mountain life firsthand. However, the serene silence he had sought as peace soon morphed into suffocating isolation. After spending around 70 days until August, he returned to the bustle of Delhi. Sharing his narrative on social media, he highlighted the stark gap between romanticized travel dreams and daily ground realities.
Setting Up Home in Manali on a 21000 Rupee Monthly Budget
When Ajay Sharma transitioned to mountain living, he planned his finances with strict discipline. To experience authentic village life, he stayed in Siyal village, ensuring his living costs remained remarkably modest. His total monthly expenditure in Manali did not exceed 21,000 rupees.
He rented a one-bedroom flat for 14,000 rupees per month, an amount that conveniently included electricity and Wi-Fi charges. To keep food expenses low, he cooked most of his meals at home, bringing his monthly grocery bill to just 3,500 rupees. Over the entire duration of his stay, he dined out at a restaurant only once, spending 500 rupees on that meal. Additionally, to maintain his fitness routine, he joined a local gym nearby, paying a monthly fee of 1,500 rupees. Despite managing such an economical budget, living long-term in the mountains proved unsustainable for him.
Documenting a 70-Day Experiment Across 55 Videos
Throughout his stay in Manali, Ajay Sharma (also referenced in social discussions as Arun Sharma) carefully documented his daily routine. He created a total of 55 videos and published his journey on Instagram. His primary objective was to test whether the picturesque charm that attracts thousands of tourists to Manali every year holds up when one chooses to reside there permanently. Within just two months, however, the initial excitement wore off, prompting his return to Delhi.
Remote Work Disruption, Heavy Rains, and Infrastructure Hurdles
Practical obstacles quickly mounted during Ajay's stay in the hills, beginning with connectivity. Working remotely, he required a high-speed and dependable internet connection to manage his job responsibilities. In Siyal village, securing consistent internet access became a constant struggle, directly affecting his daily workflow.
Weather conditions further complicated matters when the monsoon season arrived. Unpredictable mountain rain repeatedly disrupted daily life, triggering frequent power cuts, internet blackouts, and path blockages. Furthermore, monsoon damage turned local roads treacherous, making routine commuting difficult and unsafe.
Coping With Loneliness and Monotony
Beyond logistical issues, personal isolation emerged as a major emotional burden. Living by himself meant Ajay had to manage every household chore single-handedly, from cooking meals and washing dishes to cleaning the flat and completing his office work.
Coming from Delhi, a city defined by continuous activity and movement, the silence of a mountain village felt appealing at first. Over time, that quietude turned into monotonous solitude. The absence of a social circle combined with constant quietness rendered daily life repetitive and boring.
The Divide Between Fantasy and Fact, Moving On to Beach Life
Upon returning to Delhi, Ajay Sharma shared his takeaways online to help others understand the difference between idealizing mountain living and actually experiencing it. He emphasized that spending a few days on holiday is vastly different from setting up a permanent residence in remote areas. Having concluded his Manali chapter, Ajay is now planning his next journey, where he intends to experience coastal life by living near the beach and sharing those insights with his audience.
