For Delhi-based Gen Z content creator Ajay Sharma, moving to the mountains was an attempt to discover whether living in Manali could match the appeal of a short holiday. After relocating to Sial village on May 23, 2026, Sharma stayed for 71 days before returning to Delhi on August 2, saying the experience had become far more meaningful than he initially expected.
Sharma, who posts on Instagram as @a4ajayyyyy, recently shared a video announcing the end of his experiment with mountain living. He said he arrived in Manali without knowing anyone, but gradually became familiar with the surroundings and began to consider the mountains home.
The experience, he said, left him with memories he would not forget, making his departure emotionally difficult. Returning to Delhi also proved challenging, as he had not expected a stay of only a few months to have such a strong impact on him.
