Shuru, Manali
The Ultimate Luxury Chalet
Shuru, Manali, Himanchal Pradesh
A barbeque by the river, hikes and cookouts, off-roading and biking, fruit-picking and breadmaking, and exclusive cooking sessions with the chef— how does that sound for a holiday? Zostel Homes Shuru is a collection of many such experiences, coated by the bliss of luxury and a majestic landscape! With a lively bar and a picturesque common area, umpteen balconies that tag along with the rooms, a colourful courtyard, and the comfiest of beds, the chalet is the perfect blend of rustic and fancy. Although, the highlight of your stay would be all the extraordinary meals you’ll end up having here. Hosted by the Gurungs who have been into hospitality for decades, the home is nothing short of a food-paradise. Rati aunty is known around the area for her unique pickles and jams, whereas Anubhav, her son and a chef, woos the guests with a fine-dining experience featuring Indian, American, and Continental cuisines. With curated cultural, adventurous, and leisure experiences, the Gurungs really have the finest and most unique escape in store for you.
8 Guests
3 Bedrooms
3 Beds
3 Baths
HIGHLIGHTS AND ACTIVITIES
Manali: Sprinkled with cafes, quaint houses, and vibrant markets, Manali can be called the heart of Himachal Pradesh. A popular destination for backpackers and travellers, it has an equal number of leisure and adventure activities that’ll make you want to keep coming back to the town. It is also one of the gateways to Spiti and Ladakh, the two desert mountain valleys of India.
Solang A 40-min ride from Shuru, the Solang Valley is quite popular for its adventurous activities. From skiing and paragliding to zorbing and trekking, there’s a lot in store for you here to pump up the adrenaline.
Vashisht With a temple, hot water springs, and a mini-market, Vashisht is a small village very close to Manali and only 17km from Shuru. The road that takes you there runs parallel to the Beas river. We recommend that you take a diversion on your way back and sit by the banks to enjoy the flowing waters for a while.
Rohtang La Known for its roads that cut through a deep sheet of snow making it look like some sort of white cave, the Rohtang pass is a great place to visit in early summers if you want to spend a day in the cool of the winter snow. You can also hike in the snow in nearby areas.
Hamta A pass that separates the valleys of Lahaul and Kullu districts, the Hamta Pass makes for a popular trekking and camping destination.
Naggar From a castle to a folk-art museum, a Buddhist monastery, and Hindu temples Naggar is a complete cultural affair. 16km South of Shuru, the village makes for a good half-day trip.
Outings with the experts If you’re not in the mood to do any planning, let the hosts take over. Here are all the activities you can take up with them on prior request:
Culinary Outings:
1. Hike/escape to hidden spots for a picnic or cookout.
2. Food tour in the town of Manali to explore local, Indian, and international cuisines.
3. Cooking sessions with Chef Anubhav Gurung in his private cottage.
4. Jam and pickle making, fruit-picking sessions with the expert, Rati Aunty herself.
5. Watch the locals make cheese at a nearby cheese factory.
Adventure Outings 1. Go for a crazy off-roading session or an adventurous bike ride on scenic routes.
2. Enjoy a midnight swim in the sulphur springs as you stargaze.
3. Go for hikes on secret trails with Tikkan Ram, an ex-porter and expert trekker who’s available in-house.
4. Enjoy winter sports like skiing with Anubhav, who has a knack for them.
5. Take a trip to meet the local weavers and learn the skill from them.
AMENITIES
Shower
Breakfast (Extra)
Linen Included
Parking Facility
Common Hangout Area
Laundry Services (Extra)
Hot water
24/7 Reception
Bedside Lamps
Mountain View
Valley View
Towels Included
HOW TO REACH
Shuru is a small settlement, only 6.5 km from the Manali bus depot and 8km from Old Manali (and Zostel Manali too).
◘ By Car: Drive on the Delhi-Manali highway and take an exit at Bhuntar on to the bypass road towards Manali. Stay on the road at the left side of the riverbank to reach ZostelX Shuru without crossing Manali. If you wish to drive through Manali first, take the road on the right side of the riverbank.
◘ By Bus: Reach Manali. From the Manali bus stand, take an HRTC bus to Naggar and get down at Shuru.
◘ By Air: The nearest airport is the Kullu-Manali Airport, 43 km from ZostelX Shuru. You can make the onward journey to Shuru by an HRTC bus or a taxi; the latter will charge you around INR 3000.
◘ By Train: The nearest railway station is Chandigarh, 270 km from Shuru. You’ll easily find a Volvo/HRTC bus to Manali from there. Once you reach Manali, take a bus/cab to Shuru.
◘ Important: For further detailed directions, please call the property prior to your arrival. You will receive the contact details in the booking confirmation email itself.
AREA - Shuru, Manali
Everyone’s favourite escape when it comes to the mountains, Manali is joyride of a holiday town. With great hiking trails, picture-perfect cafes, waterfalls and lakes, temples, hot springs, and umpteen other things, it is very easy for the town to keep a traveller entertained. Summers here come with cherry and apple blossoms, whereas winters bring bouts of snowfall, and the rains make it blush a wild green. And no matter the weather, it is always a delight to be here!
LOCATION - Zostel Homes Shuru (Manali)
6km South of Manali, Shuru is a small area that entertains more solitude and fewer tourists, making it a safe escape from the bustle and crowds. Very much in the middle of the luscious greenery and only a short drive from the rustic markets and cafes of the main town, Shuru lets you switch between peaceful leisure time and an outgoing holiday.
House Policies
- The property is not pet-friendly.
- As this is someone’s home, footwear is not allowed inside. Guests will be provided with chappals during their stay.
- Drinking and smoking are prohibited inside the property. Guests are requested to resort to open areas for the same.
- No room or luggage services will be provided at the property.
- All the food served will be home-cooked. Self-cooking is not allowed at this house.
- Any special request regarding food or facilities needs to be intimated in advance.
- Nature and surroundings should always be respected and taken care of.
- The area has to be kept noise-free after 10 pm.
HOSTED By The Gurung Family
The Gurungs are a family of the most enthusiastic of hosts, all of them gleefully involved in making your stay delightful and luxurious. After 30 years of managing a 5-star hotel in Manali, Mr Madhu Gurung moved on to host guests in his own stunning chalet. Accompanying him is his son Anubhav, an alumnus of IHM, a Chef, and the owner of one of the top cafes in Manali. He makes sure that you have the finest of dining experiences, with extensive food options from the American, Indian, and Continental cuisines. Rati aunty, the life of the house, is not far behind when it comes to impressing the guests with her culinary skills. An expert at making jams, jellies, chutneys, and pickles for that extra tang in your meals, you will find her sourcing fresh fruits and vegetables for her recipes from around the town more often than not.
As locals, the Gurungs are also well aware of the area, and you can chat them up for recommendations on hiking and exploring, or tag along with them for an even more adventurous session of off-roading or winter sports. Interestingly, the three of them combined can speak Hindi, English, Punjabi, Nepali, and Pahari, just in case you’re in the mood of a little talk-game.