Himachal Yatra - Episode 2
Malana Village and It's Secrets
We reached Malana village, which is an ancient Indian village in the state of Himachal Pradesh. Malana village, a tiny little hamlet in Himachal that needs no introduction. Separated bypasses on all sides; this mountain-top village is known to be one of the oldest human settlements while being isolated. While the beauty is extreme, Malana is famous (infamous?) for its bounty of Hashish – the Malana cream.
The main source of income for the Malanese folk is exporting of Malana Cream. An extremely orthodox community with a rich history, rituals, and customs – it is an experience to learn of a place so secluded. Malana is a magical place overlooking the Deotibba and Chandrakhani Peaks.
Don’t get in physical contact with the villagers in Malana. While people are friendly, outsiders are not allowed to touch people here, without permission. So much so, the shopkeepers will ask you to keep the money on the counter, so refrain from physical contact.
Keeping in line with the above – if you are photographing villagers – it is best to seek permission. Well, you should seek it anywhere in the world.
Malana is a land protected by customs. And it is only wise to respect the way of life of the villagers, especially if you want a peaceful visit.