VanVaas
Indulge in nature, stay in serene eco-retreats and our community living project in Soil Village, Manali, and unite with the Sounds of Soil community for meaningful travel experiences.
A remote, no-electricity haven with no road access till 2024, VanVaas has evolved into a sustainable retreat. Our hosts, rooted here for over a decade, invite the like-minded to share in the joy of this remote Himalayan escape, now enhanced with modern amenities.
Welcome to 'VanVaas'
Soil (Soyal) Village near Manali is home to VanVaas. A lush orchard of apple, plum, and pear trees by a pristine trout stream at the road-end in Soyal village, 16km from Manali, VanVaas is a haven for nature lovers. Founded by Parminder (Vicky) of Mountaineerz, this 14-year legacy blends rustic charm with eco-conscious living.
Our mission is to create experiences that transform travelers and support Soil Village through reforestation, community living projects, and the Sounds of Soil Music Festival.
Join us to explore, evolve, and leave a positive impact.
Going to VanVaas means going away from the world to reconnect, get grounded, rejuvenate and come back stronger. Nestled in isolation in a Himalayan forest, VanVaas offers the perfect opportunity.
VanVaas: Not Exile... Liberation!
Stay 'In' VanVaas
Escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life at Vanvaas, a sanctuary for change makers, artists, and professionals seeking meaningful connections and rejuvenation in the heart of nature.
The Wilderness Lodge, VanVaas
Enjoy a rustic hostel experience with 2 private rooms, a dorm, a cozy living room, and a spacious attic with sit-outs overlooking the trout stream and forest. Perfect for solo travelers or groups seeking a communal yet private stay in Soyal Village, with forest bathing options.
The Orchard Retreat, VanVaas
Unwind in 5 spacious rooms with private bathrooms, patios, and panoramic views of the Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges. Ideal for families or couples, this premium stay in Soil Village offers direct access to orchards and streamside serenity, with wood-fired pizza from the SOS Applewood Grill.
The Eco Lodge, VanVaas
Relish budget-friendly comfort in 4 private rooms and a dorm, featuring a fireplace attic and streamside sit-outs. Crafted from eco-friendly wood and stone, it suits long-term stays or nature lovers in Soil Village, with easy access to hiking trails.
Join us on Forest Bathing, Yoga, Hiking, Burnout Recovery, Music & Art Retreats. Meet like-minded individuals and make meaningful connections.
Upcoming Retreats & Gigs
14 Sep 2025 - Burnout Recovery & Hiking Retreat
This transformative retreat blends guided Himalayan hikes with mindfulness practices amidst orchards and pine forests. Designed for burnout recovery, it offers eco-conscious stays, farm-fresh meals, and moments of stillness by a glacial stream, fostering deep healing and connection with nature.
26 Sep - 26 Oct 2025 - Rudy David’s Music, Art & Yoga Retreat
Join the Sounds of Soil: Acoustic Garden - Music & Wellness Retreat, a transformative 3-night, 4-day experience from September 26 to October 26, 2025, at VanVaas, Soil Village, Manali. Led by Artiste-in-Residence Rudy David (#rzhude), a renowned musician and mentor, this retreat blends yoga, meditation, guided nature hikes, expressive art, HumDrum circles, music workshops, fireside open mics, and live performances. —request your exclusive invite today!
02-07 Oct 2025 - Trek To The Mountain Of The Broken Lake
A 6-day exclusive trek starting from Vanvaas, reaching the mystical Broken Lake at 14,290ft, with breathtaking vistas, holy lakes, and a refined camping experience for ₹24000 per adult, guided by local experts.
Activities At VanVaas
Forest Bathing, Guided Hikes, Angling, Foraging, Camping, Trek to the Broken Lake, Village Walks, Picnics, Yoga, Meditation, Nature Therapy, Detox, Writing, Sketching and like.
Crystal Waterfall Hike
A 4-6 hour guided hike to the Crystal Waterfall, named after our beloved Labrador, through pine forests. Priced at ₹1500 per adult, includes a picnic with farm-fresh food and a complimentary tour of Soyal Village, orchard, and Sounds of Soil venue (time permitting).
Hike to the Cursed Village
A 6-7 hour serene hike with a 2-3 hour trek one-way through pine forests, offering foraging with Troy Junior, Kaali, Crystal Junior, and Pasha. Includes lunch and a complimentary orchard and festival tour (time permitting).
Angling in Soil Village Stream
A 4-hour angling session in a trout stream with abundant rainbow trout and occasional brown trout, BBQ’d by the team for ₹1500 per adult. Multi-day trips available, with a complimentary orchard and venue tour (time permitting).
Relive the 2025 Sounds of Soil Music Festival (May 2-4), where 18 acts like Bombay Lights, Daira, Gowwli, Rudy Wallang and The Pulse Theory enchanted with folk, blues, and rock amid pine forests and a glacial stream. This eco-celebration raised funds for reforestation and post-2023 flood recovery, supported by a community of artists and changemakers.
Anticipate 2026 (May 1-3) for an amplified experience. Request an invite to join this mindful celebration of music &nature and updates Weekend Unplugged Gigs.
The Mindful Travelers' Guild:
For The Curious. By The Curious.
Welcome to The Mindful Traveler's Guild, a community of mindful explorers where travel sparks growth, connection, and change. Our experiences blend excitement with reflection, fostering self-discovery and deeper world connections. Join like-minded adventurers to explore, evolve, and belong.
Ready to travel with purpose? Request your invite today!
Sounds Of Soil Community:
Join The Revolution!
Location Of VanVaas, Soil Village, Manali
VanVaas is located right at the end of Soil road, 2km from Soyal village which is 16 km from Manali town and about 30 km from the Kullu-Manali Airport.
Vanvaas,
kkoott, Soil Village, Manali, HP , India 175136
Frequently asked questions
Is VanVaas suitable for families?
Yes, Vanvaas is perfect for families looking for a peacefuland enriching holidays.The retreat offers activities for all age groups, ensuring everyone has a memorable experience.
Are meals included in the stay?
Yes, organic and locally sourced meals are included in your stay. You'll enjoy traditional Himachali cuisine prepared with fresh inggredients from the retreat's farm.
What makes Vanvaas different from other retreats?
Vanvaas stands out for its focus on sustainable living, cultural immersion, and authentic experience. It's not just a stay but a journey to reconnect with nature and local traditions.
Is WiFi available at VanVaas?
To encourage a digital detox, Wi-Fi is limited to common areas.
How can I book my stay at VanVaas?
You can book your stay directly through our website by selecting your preferred dates and accommodation type. For any queries, feel free to contant us.
How do I reach Vanvass?
The nearest airport is Bhuntar Airport (Kullu-Manali), approx. 50 Km away. From there, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Manali. The retreat is also accessible by road from major cities like Delhi and Chandigarh.
What kind of experiences can I expect at Vanvaas?
Organic farming activites.
Nature walks and treks.
Yoga and meditation sessions.
Cultural interaction with locals.
Stargazing and bonfire nights.