New Delhi:Mountain life often looks perfect on social media. Snow-covered peaks, quiet mornings, fresh air and endless views make it easy to understand why so many people dream of leaving city life behind for the hills.
And that’s what Garima and Rahul did. They soon realized that life in the mountains is very different from life in Delhi when they moved from Delhi to Manali. A video on their Instagram channel, OurSlowMiles, provides insight into those everyday struggles, juxtaposing the fantasy of mountain living with the reality of the hard work it takes to get there.
What changes after moving to the mountains
The couple, who moved from Delhi to Manali, found that the mountains need planning for almost everything.
In cities, there are many services and essentials available at short notice. But in the mountains, weather, road conditions and distance often determine how smooth the day will go.
In the video we are shown some of the practical realities of mountain life:
There are medical facilities for basic needs but you may have to travel to Kullu for more detailed treatment.Foodstuffs often have to be bought up in advance, especially before bad weather when roads may be blocked.Power cuts are common when it snows so it’s important to plan meetings, deadlines and office work accordingly for remote workers.“Deliveries from platforms such as Amazon, Swiggy and Blinkit are highly susceptible to weather conditions and road access.”In some places, doorstep deliveries are impossible because the roads don’t reach every area.Household repairs can be time-consuming as plumbers and electricians often have to travel long distances to reach remote places.The reality behind the mountain views
The thumbnail for the video says “Expectation vs Reality - Mountain Life” and it’s the theme that runs through the reel.
There are, of course, the calm mornings and beautiful views most people imagine when they think of living in the mountains. But it also means planning for road closures, having essential supplies at home, coping with power outages and accepting that convenience is not always around the corner.
If you're used to city life it can take a while to get used to. Weather can change at the drop of a hat and change plans for the day. Something as simple as getting a parcel can depend entirely on whether roads are open and accessible.
Why the trade-off still feels worth it
“It’s hard, but the theme is not regret.
The reel “contemplates the balance between convenience and a slower, quieter lifestyle.” It’s a little more patience and preparation to live in the mountains, but it also provides a sense of calm that many people can’t find in larger cities.
Roads may be closed. There may be a power outage. Delivery could be delayed. But for Garima and Rahul who live in Manali, peace seems to outweigh the inconveniences.
The video ends with a simple question, if you had a choice, would you choose convenience or mountain life? To the folks at OurSlowMiles the answer seems obvious.