For many young professionals, the idea of leaving a busy city for a quieter life in the mountains sounds like a dream. That was exactly what Ajay Sharma, a Gen Z content creator from Delhi, set out to explore when he moved to Sial village in Manali in May this year. However, after spending more than two months in the hill town, he decided to return to Delhi.
‘The Mountains Started To Feel Like Home’ He explained that he arrived in Manali without knowing anyone. Over time, however, the unfamiliar roads became familiar, and the mountains began to feel like home. During his stay, he shared insights into his daily routine, lifestyle challenges, local experiences and the realities of working remotely from the hills.
Ajay moved to Sial village near Manali on May 23, 2026, to answer a question many city dwellers often ask themselves: Is mountain life as appealing when you live there full-time as it is during a short holiday? He stayed there until August 2, spending around 71 days in the region and documenting his journey through nearly 55 videos. To keep expenses under control, Ajay cooked most of his meals at home and spent roughly Rs 3,500 a month on groceries. On days when he did not feel like cooking, he ate out occasionally, adding around Rs 500 per week to his expenses.
He said he created memories that he would never forget, making his departure more emotional than he had expected.
Before relocating, Ajay imagined a picture-perfect lifestyle. He expected to work remotely while enjoying mountain views, watch sunrises every morning, explore scenic roads, try local food and spend evenings meeting new people around bonfires. he later realised that living in the mountains is very different from visiting them as a tourist While he did experience many of those moments. His journey highlighted the gap between expectation and reality, a lesson that resonated with many social media users following his story.
In a July 3 video reflecting on his brief stay in the hills, Ajay shared the challenges that ultimately prompted him to leave Manali and return home.
