I had seen snow in pictures all my life. White mountains, soft flakes, people smiling in jackets. But being in the snow is very different from looking at it on a screen.
Manali was my first real snow experience. And honestly, I didn’t know what to expect.
The First Time I Stepped Into Snow
The moment I stepped out, the cold hit differently. Not harsh, not scary—just real. The air felt cleaner. Everything was quiet. Even my thoughts slowed down.
Walking on snow teaches you patience. You can’t rush. Every step needs attention. At first, I laughed a lot because I kept slipping slightly, but slowly I learned how to balance myself.
That was my first lesson from the snow, slow down and stay aware.
Snow Activities That Made Me Feel Alive
I tried a few snow activities in Manali. Nothing extreme, but enough to push me out of my comfort zone. Climbing small slopes, walking long distances, standing in open snowfields for photos—it all felt new.
What surprised me was how tiring it was, not just for the body, but for the eyes. Snow reflects light so strongly that after some time, my eyes started feeling strained.
Wearing my Opticsfit sunglasses helped a lot. They reduced the glare and made everything more comfortable. I could keep my eyes open easily and actually enjoy the view instead of constantly squinting.
Feeling Strong Without Trying to Be
I didn’t go to Manali to “prove” anything. But somewhere between playing in snow and quietly standing there, looking at the mountains, I felt stronger.
Not loud strength.
Not dramatic strength.
Just a calm confidence.
I realised I could handle the cold, the discomfort, the unfamiliar. And that feeling stays with you long after the trip ends.
Snow Teaches You Presence
Snow doesn’t allow distractions. Your phone battery drains fast. Your hands get cold. Your body asks you to stay in the moment.
You start noticing small things, the sound of your boots on snow, your breath in the cold air, the way sunlight reflects everywhere. With the right gear and clear vision, the experience feels safe and peaceful.
That’s something I truly valued during this trip.
What I Took Back From Manali
I came back with photos, memories, and sore legs.
But more importantly, I came back calmer.
Snow taught me patience.
The mountains taught me balance.
And being prepared taught me confidence.
Sometimes, adventure isn’t about doing something wild. It’s about discovering a quiet strength within yourself. My Instagram where i share all experiences - https://www.instagram.com/yaasaaviiii/