Soyal Village – also known as Soil Village is nestled 14 km from Manali, Himachal Pradesh, on the Naggar Road – a hidden gem cradled by orchards, pine forests, and the glacial Pucknooz stream. For years, this offbeat paradise has been a sanctuary of solitude, far from the tourist bustle of Manali. But today, Soyal Village faces an existential crisis, and I, who’s called its forests home since 2011, am witnessing its unraveling firsthand. This is why Sounds of Soil, a groundbreaking music and nature festival, was born—to raise awareness and fight for a place I’ve cherished in seclusion for over a decade.
My Journey in Soyal Village: A Life Disrupted
Since 2011, I’ve lived 3 km from Soil Village, deep in the forest, surrounded by towering deodar trees and the soothing hum of the Pucknooz stream. It was my retreat from the world—a place where I could reflect and simply be. For 14 years, this seclusion was my strength. But progress, as they call it, has come crashing through my front door. The rampant deforestation spurred by an unnecessary hydro project has shattered the ecosystem I’ve known. The once-abundant trout in Pucknooz Manali are dwindling, the forests are thinning, and the silence I treasured is now pierced by the sounds of construction. This hydro project, far from benefiting the local villagers—mostly low-income and underserved—serves distant interests, leaving Soil Village to bear the scars.
The floods of 2023 were a brutal wake-up call, devastating the region and exposing its fragility. Now, with the hydro project looming, the damage is accelerating—deforestation is stripping the land bare, the glacial stream is choking, and the delicate balance of this offbeat haven is collapsing. I couldn’t stand by any longer. So, I teamed up with a few artist friends to create Sounds of Soil, a festival set for May 2-5, 2025, to shine a light on this crisis and rally support for reforestation, trout revival, and a cleaner, greener Soil Village.
Sounds of Soil: A Festival with a Purpose
Sounds of Soil isn’t just another event—it’s a movement. Scheduled for May 2-5, 2025, in the sprawling orchards of VanVaas, this 2-night, 3-day retreat brings together over 20 bands and 75+ artists, seekers, and changemakers. It’s Manali’s first festival of its kind, blending music, yoga, and nature in a zero-waste celebration. Our mission? To counter the devastation of the 2023 floods and the hydro project’s toll by planting trees, restoring the Pucknooz stream, and supporting local strays and cleanup efforts against tourism’s sudden influx. This isn’t about profit—it’s about preservation. As someone who’s lived through Soil’s transformation, I see this as a chance to give back to a land that’s given me so much.
Learn more about Soil Village’s journey at Yoloo Life’s Soil Village feature, where its evolution from seclusion to a budding destination is beautifully captured.
The Challenges Facing Soyal Village
Soil Village is at a crossroads. Once a pristine escape, it’s now grappling with:
- Deforestation: The hydro project is clearing forests at an alarming rate, disrupting wildlife and the natural shield against floods.
- Ecosystem Collapse: The Pucknooz stream, once teeming with trout, is suffering from altered flows and pollution, a direct hit from construction.
- Flood Aftermath: The 2023 floods left deep wounds—landslides, eroded soil, and a shaken community still recovering.
- Tourism Surge: A sudden influx of visitors has brought litter and strain, spoiling the village’s untouched charm.
For me, Parminder, these aren’t just statistics—they’re daily realities. The forest I’ve called home is shrinking, and the hydro project’s promise of “development” feels like a hollow excuse when locals see no benefits. Sounds of Soil is my way of fighting back, turning art into action.
Crystal Falls, VanVaas, Soil (Soyal) Village, Manali
Where to Stay in Soyal Village: Homestays and More
Soyal Village offers some of the best homestays in Soil Village and unique stays that make it one of the top offbeat places in Manali. Whether you’re an artist, seeker, or traveler joining us for Sounds of Soil, here’s where you can rest your head:
- VanVaas Camps
- Why Stay Here: Perfect for artists and seekers on a budget, these camps offer dorm-style stays amidst nature.
- Details: Affordable, rustic, and surrounded by orchards and pines—ideal for festival-goers wanting an immersive experience.
- Best For: Those craving a communal vibe during Sounds of Soil.
- VanVaas The Wilderness Lodge
- Why Stay Here: With dorms and 6 cozy rooms, it’s another budget-friendly gem for creatives and nature lovers.
- Details: Simple yet charming, it’s nestled deep in the wilderness, offering a front-row seat to Soyal’s beauty.
- Best For: Artists needing inspiration and solitude post-festival.
- VanVaas The Retreat
- Why Stay Here: Featuring 5 premium rooms, this is hands-down one of the best homestays in Soyal Village—and arguably in India.
- Details: Luxurious yet soulful, with stunning views of the orchards and Pucknooz stream, it’s a haven for those seeking a high-end escape.
- Best For: Seekers and changemakers wanting a transformative stay during Sounds of Soil.
- Other Homestays in Soyal Village
- Soyl Mansion: A cozy wooden cottage with modern amenities.
- House of Soyl: A budget-friendly option with basic amenities, great for backpackers.
- Atharva Homestay: Near Karjan, offering a caretaker and free Wi-Fi—ideal for families.
- Tra – A Boutique Stay: A cozy spot with a shared kitchen and restaurant, perfect for a homely feel.
- Nivasana Manali: A luxury boutique stay near Sajla, blending comfort with Himalayan charm.
These homestays in Soyal Village cater to all budgets and vibes, from rustic camps to premium retreats. For festival attendees, VanVaas options stand out as the best homestays in Soil Village for their proximity to the event and alignment with its ethos.
the ‘Pucknooz’ glacial stream soyal village was once abundant with Trout
Why Soyal Village is an Offbeat Must-Visit
Soyal Village remains one of the offbeat places in Manali worth exploring. Just 1.8 km from Mansari (reachable by bus from Manali to Kullu), it’s a world away from the crowded Mall Road. Here, you’ll find glacial streams, lush forests, and small cafes serving fresh trout and Siddu. It’s a trekker’s delight too—try the 2.3-mile Soyal Village Trek from Mansari for stunning views and solitude. But this paradise is fragile, and Sounds of Soil aims to keep it alive.
Join the Movement
I’ve seen Soil Village change from a quiet retreat to a battleground against ecological ruin. Sounds of Soil is my plea—and our collective effort—to save it. Join us May 2-5, 2025, at VanVaas for music, healing, and action. Stay at VanVaas Camps, VanVaas The Wilderness Lodge, or the exquisite VanVaas The Retreat—the best homestays in Soil Village—and be part of a festival that’s as much about art as it is about saving a way of life.
Let’s raise our voices, plant trees, and bring back the trout. Soil Village deserves it—and so do we.
