On the banks of the Beas River, surrounded by Himalayan peaks, apple orchards and pine forests, Manali is top of the list for remote workers looking for a thriving café and coworking culture. 

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Many hostels double up as coworking spaces, offering good WiFi and quiet common spaces to work amidst the greenery. Riverside Alt Life has cozy indoor and outdoor spaces to work from. At Young Monk, you can work from an outdoor terrace with mountain views. Timberwolves has an airy cafe with WiFi, plus a view of snow-covered peaks and a steady supply of tea and coffee while you work. Iconic Old Manali spots include Drifter’s Café, where you can set up your laptop for the day, dine on café fare and burgers, and relax with books and board games after work. Plug in at Dylan’s Toasted & Roasted to soak in the historic vibe as you work.

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When you’re hungry, Café 1947 offers up hearty Italian food and frequent live music. Johnson’s Café is a local institution, known for its many preparations of Himalayan river trout in a scenic setting. Or, wind down at The Lazy Dog—a chilled-out bar and restaurant with regular live music, serving whole river trout and Italian food with great views. 

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When you want to explore, head to the Hadimba Temple to see a slice of local life. There are plenty of relaxed, easy treks up in the pine-clad mountains for when you’re seeking some outdoor activity. Visit the hot springs at nearby Vashisht, and stop in at the backpacker cafes for some coffee and apple pie.