Seize The Time

On my first trip to Himachal in 2020, I bumped into Shaila while staying at another hostel. She went out on a limb and hosted me and my friend as a guest during our stay in her 100 year old kathkuni house in Manali and I must say it was an experience of a lifetime. From the moment I arrived, I could feel the warmth and hospitality that Shaila exudes. Her homestay is nestled in a beautiful valley and the view of the mountains from her house is breathtaking. ‘Seize the time’ is an apt name for her homestay because each day spent with Shaila is an absolute adventure!

Shaila's love for animals is evident as soon as you step into her home. She had 3 adorable dogs back then that immediately made me feel at home. It was wonderful to see how Shaila takes care of them and how they, along with most dogs of Old Manali are a part of her family.

The house itself is a marvel of traditional architecture and modern amenities. The interiors are tastefully done and the attention to detail is impressive. It is an artist’s paradise!

But what made my stay truly special was Shaila's fun loving and adventurous streak. Each day spent in her presence is nothing short of an adventure.

I would highly recommend Shaila's homestay to anyone looking for an authentic adventure-filled experience in Manali. Her warmth, hospitality and love for animals will make your stay unforgettable. Thank you, Shaila, for an amazing experience – falling in love with Manali has a lot to do with my first visit there. And you, are nothing less than family who makes me feel at home <3

Staying at Seize the Time with host Shaila and her lovely dogs is a blissful experience. This place perfect for backpackers and adventurers alike.

I found a post by "Seize The Time" one day on Instagram, a simple quote by Rumi was put up as the caption & that really resonated within me. As an individual myself trying to make a home in the mountains, I immediately connected with the place.

Just a few weeks after, it was as if by pure coincidence I got to take some time off to visit someplace & I instantly knew where I wanna go. I texted on their Instagram and when I found it is a woman that runs the homestay, I was sure because these mountains always have their ways of connecting people & places which make sense in the most ordinary ways.

My two day stay at the "Seize The time" homestay has become a memory of a lifetime.and I know i'm gonna be back there soon, and always keep coming back. It's a simple mountain home & that's what makes it so special. The old wooden structure has been given so much heart by the most wonderful host "Shaila ji" whom I met there & I will always feel happy knowing the Universe blessed me with the opportunity to get to know such a beautiful soul like her. Thank you Shaila ji for making us feel right at home, and for the warmth of your special karak chai and a similar warmth that you filled within our souls.

Special mention to Shaila ji's furry babies-five of the cutest roommates you will ever get-Bella, Luna, Kiki, Cookie & the most adorable belly rub loving Tripod-were with us all throughout. There is also a very "Good Boy" in the house, a local doggie who loves and is loved as much. Waking up at the "Seize The Time" was a moment to behold. I will cherish the times spent there forever!

Shaila ji is also a crazy story teller & if you stick by her you will get to meet so many more amazing people and experience the best of Old Manali.

This place gives a whole new definition of a homestay. Such warm and lovely host and a brigade of sweet sweet lovely dogs. Had a wonderful time there and I miss being there ever since I am back. The view is amazing and the house is authentic kath kuni style with very warm and cozy rooms. The place is decorated very tastefully and everything is just perfect. My last visit was short but I would love to come back and stay for a longer time. Thank you for the amazing experience Shaila

Overview - Seize The Time offers easy accessibility, good service, a peek into a different time, amazing views and its warmth. It also gives you a safe space with real, uncritical, approving and encouraging people. Every day and every conversation is exciting and interesting. Old manali is a lot about the people and Shaila introduced me to a small bit of the community that Old Manali is and how they're weaved together supporting each other.

Location and surroundings - The location is superb - close enough as well as far enough and just a 5 min climb. Food deliveries, groceries, restaurants, the Manu temple, etc.are all 5 mins away. You can just laze around, get some sun, see the beautiful snowfall, even take short and long treks. All with the comfort of an amazing internet connection and 4G at home.

Food - It is your home. The kitchen is open and Shaila is a brilliant cook herself. She owes me the Biryani which she says she is good at and I have heard too many people swear by her Fruit Cream. I also loved the homely-healthy classic North Indian food she cooked. There are tons of other food options available 5 mins away or online.

Hosts - Shaila is generous and would go out of her way for you. She is professional and would be up for you at 2 in the night. She has been here for long so knows people and ways around and can get things done with efficacy. The dogs are eager to give you so much love and hugs. Shaila and the dogs make the place so warm.

Rooms - Variety of rooms, I had the pleasure of staying in multiple rooms. All of them have their own comfort and perks.
The famous attic gets warm during the day with good sunlight. You can go out of the window on the roof, The middle room is grand and cozy. The place has surprising potential to keep expanding to accommodate more people and things - quite like the room of requirement at Hogwarts. Not everyone gets an attached bathroom but who really needs one? !

Aestheties - The place is restored with passion and great detail to everything. It's artsy, it's classic and has a million little décor items - modern, traditional, local and global. It's a Kleptomaniac’s nightmare.loved every bit of it.it is indeed a walk into another time with the architecture, wood and mud and all things Seize The Time is!

Closing remarks - thank you for such a pleasant stay. I was never disturbed at work and you were reachable all the time. Next time I’ll try to come with a mind more free than it was. All the best with seize the time and whatever you pick up in life. Best wishes.

A good stay at seize the time homestay in a beautiful town himachal
This homestay has a beautiful mix of all you need in mountains.
Comfortable Stay
Welcoming Hosts
Amazing View
& Good Food

It was my first experience staying at a homestay and I loved every bit of it.

I loved Manali, more because of Seize the TIme, and Shaila deserves special mention. I had no plans when I landed there, but she kept guiding me & made sure that I had a fantastic experience in the hills.
Shaila is a wonderful human being & a thorough professional. The love she puts in her work is commendable.

Oh yes, this is a dog home as well & she has 5 lovely dogs. I am not a dog lover & am a little scared of dogs, and I was quite proud that I was absolutely comfortable staying with them.

If you are looking for a safe, cosy place in a 100 year old Kath-kuni house, with an awesome view & a great friend, go for it without thinking twice.

Lots of love to the dogs, and thank you Shaila:)

एक ऐसा जगह, जहां आप अकेले आते है, पर आने के कुछ ही वक्त बाद आपको लगता है की आप अकेले नही यहां तो आपका पूरा परिवार है, यहां दोस्त बनते है, रिश्ते बनते है. वैसे रिश्ते जो कभी टूटते नही.
यहां आने के बाद आप यह मानते है की आपका एक घर पहाड़ों में भी है!
शुक्रिया शैला! इस प्राकृतिक सौन्दर्य में एक में एक जन्नत बनाने के के लिए जिसे हम घर बोलते है।।

This place has a homely vibe with a wonderful host. I had a great time here, met good people.
Thank you Shaila for teaching me a lot about Dogs
Seize the time has become a home for me in Manali️

Beautiful 100 year old kathkhuni house with superb host Shaila and for companion you can have kooki, kiki, tripod, bella, luna.
Thank you Seize The Time Homestay for your lovely companionship.

A home away from home! This 100 year old rustic house has a unique vibe coz of its host, Shaila - she would treat you like her family and her ever loving dogs (5 of them ;) ) have become a part of ma family! Thank you Shaila for all those lovely game nights, movie nights, making dinner together, and above all inspiring me to follow my dreams and stand by it. This is what a homestay is!
Best wishes to you for all your dreams! And special hug to Kiki?

The perfect place to be if u r looking for the follownig-
- want to stay at a place where u can connect and disconnect from the outside world within just 5 mins.
- love love love dogs!
- living in an old kathkuni house sounds dreamy to u
Besides all this, the host Shaila is a darling and a great friend to hang out with.

Best place to stay in Old manali. Experience of staying in 100 + years wooden house is unbelievable. Host is amazing and she guide you to best post and also she will joined you to explore offbeat places.

Situated in the prime location
Welcomed by lovely doggos and beautiful human the host was as warm and real for a true experience in a home stay so homely and we got luckier as she surprised the south indian with some yummy rice
Very hygeine with washroom and the room with great comfort and view it felt like visiting grandma's!

Loved the hospitality, ambience, decorations, adorable dogs n surrounding of beautiful peeps around. It was my first solo trip and I really feel haply that I chose seize the time for stay. Shaila is really a pure hearted, helpful & genuine person. Believe me, People won't get bored with her presence. She will keep entertaining you with her non-stop talks n will also guide you for nearby places to be explored. Will definitely like to come back again

This place is not just a stay this is a heaven for dog lovers and those who like to stay in homes built in nature. What makes this place special is not just the home but Shaila di who makes this place feel like home, her company will make you fall in love with this place. I was only there for 2 days and it felt like I was only there was 2 hours. I was never treated like a guest I was treated like I was one of them which makes solo travelling so comforting. I really don't have much words to describe my emotions for this place.
Hoping to be back there soon not just for days but for a month atleast.

Seize the time was rustic wooden home with Amazing host Shaila and lovely Dogs. Consider this place only if you love simple living amidst nature. No fancy things. Great place!

I went there for 5 days but stayed for a month. That's how this cozy place is like.to me it is now home away from home.and the amazing host Shaila is such a beautiful soul, takes care like an elder sister. ️

Shaila was my first host in my solo journey. She is one of the amazing person I have met in my travel diaries. Her house with dogs is filled with love and acceptance. ️ Thankyou Shaila for creating my another Home in Manali. Hope to be back soon.

Lovely host, adorable dogs, bohemian decor and cozy hygge stay! Been coming here for 2 years now and would definitely come back again. Home away from home?

The host "Shaila" and the homestay " Seize the time" are both most amazing in Old Manali. If you want to see actual beauty of Old Manali and obviously the cutest dogs, u can visit Shaila's place <3

Home away from Home. If you want some Alone Quite time, go for this. Peace'ful Adobe and silent on the top of the hill.love the dogs. And Shaila is a warm host.

I absolutely loved the entire experience I had at your home, Shaila. Thank you for your kindness and generosity️️I am deeply touched by your warmth and hospitality. I had one of the most beautiful memories at your home and cant wait to meet you again? You are an amazing person and I really cant thank you enough for treating me more than a friend but not the guestAll the members of your family were friendly and I am so in love with BubblesOnce again thank you for clicking my a lot of pictures, taking me to holi party, riverside and that sassy girls ride️️ Love you Shaila and see you soon

Modeled as an escape from life as most of us have come to know it, this cozy place will provide the solace you might seek. Looking forward to my next visit

If anyone is ever visiting Manali and don't want to miss the home feel then this is the best place to live with a lot of good vibes and amazing view with nature.
If u are a dog lover then nothing can be perefct than this paradise run by an amazing soul Shaila.

If asked where do you feel like home away from home, it's Seize the time, Manali ️

I thoroughly loved each day staying in this super cute, cosy home and I extended my stay as I loved my room so much.

Every single thing in this house is hand picked by Shaila. She has turned this house into a beautiful home, putting in all her thoughts and creativity! Every corner of this house has such charm and sense of belongingness.

If you are a dog lover, love nature, and want to wake up to an amazing view, this place is for you. Also, host is such an amazing cook!

If you are looking for an amazing homestay experience, Seize the time is the home for you!

A home away from home in Old Manali. Located just behind Manu Temple, a 3 minute hike to an amazing 100 year old house is so worth it. Shaila and her dogs are the real ones who bring life to such an amazing place. Would definitely recommend!

A beautiful house, away from the crowd of Old Manali yet in the middle of everything and is accessible to the cafes and amazing views. If you’re looking to get away from the routine and right into the arms of dogs, views, and peace, Seize the Time Homestay is the place to be.