Himachal Pradesh is the most famous tourist destination in North India with an array of hill stations, sightseeing places, treks and valleys. But when it comes to planning a trip to Himachal Pradesh, many people think twice and count on money and want to plan a trip on a low budget. If you are also one of them and want to plan a family trip, or couple trip, or a solo trip, just read this along to know about tips, tricks, hacks and budget Himachal Tour Packages.
8 Tips to Travel to Himachal Pradesh on a Low Budget
1. Pick the right season
Plan a trip in Shoulder season- that means not the peak season of December, March and May, nor the off season to get bored. Plan your Himachal trip in September, October, November, February, and April to get the best deal.
2. Go with shared transportation or break journeys
Instead of the private car, take the shared bus or taxi service from your place to your destination in Himachal. If you are not sure about state-run buses, then Volvo bus booking is also an alternative choice for a mid-level budget trip. You can find Volvo Bus Service in Delhi or Chandigarh for direct travel to Manali, Shimla, Dharamshala or any other. For example, the Delhi to Manali Volvo Bus Fare is approximately Rs 3,000 per person for a round trip.
Another way to save money is to break the journey, where you can take a train till Kalka, Shimla, Chandigarh, Amb, Pathankot or Una on a very low budget and then travel in private car rentals from Himachal as per your travel plan. It is less hectic, but you need to plan earlier to get the best deal. In Peak season, you can get high rates through instant booking.
Suggested Read: A Complete Guide for Planning a Manali Tour by Bus
3. Book budget accommodations
Today travel implies luxury, but forget that if you are on a low-budget . Not luxury, but there are many stay options in popular tourist destinations as Shimla, Manali, and Dharamshala- from 3-star hotels to Homestays, lodges or hostels for backpackers.
4. GO with Local Cuisines
In Himachal, you will get North Indian cuisine very easily. Instead of having dinner or lunch at fancy restaurants, go for a dhaba for authentic taste and affordable rates. These are easily available on your travel routes.
5. Choose Budget-friendly destinations first
Plenty of tourist destinations in Himachal make the state massive, but travelling to each place is not equal. Some are best for luxury tourism, while some are best picks for budget wanderers. Top budget-friendly places in Himachal are Kasol, Tosh, Bir Billing, Dharamkot, Tirthan Valley and Jibhi. These places are full of riverside homestays at best budget.
6. Indulge in free adventure activities
There are a lot of adventure things to do in Himachal, which attract and say- Must try me. But without getting into that, explore nature with activities like trekking, climbing, hiking and spending time near waterfalls.
7. Buy your travel gear instead of renting
If you are a regular traveller, you must buy your travel essentials instead of renting them at various spots. These items include trekking shoes, gloves, a sleeping bag, a raincoat, a torch, etc.
8. Travel in a Group
Plan a group Himachal tour to save money and add on comfort of private transportation. Group travelling is cost-savvy as you can plan a budget stay in a guesthouse, cook your own meal or share activities expenses.
9. Look for discounts and deals
Many tour operators offer great deals on Himachal tour packages, especially in the off and shoulder season. Filter out some of them and make an enquiry for the trip ahead.
Note: Must be cautious to confirm all inclusions, exclusions, trip details and take email confirmation. Inspect about them and then make a payment to not get trapped in fraud deals.
Contact us today and grab our Himachal Travel Deals and save tons of extra expenditure and enjoy unlimited.
Budget Package Ideas
Not exactly, but here are some best packages which are affordable for everyone without a second thought to Travel Himachal on a Budget.
5-Day Budget trip to Himachal (₹6,000–₹9,000 per person)
Includes:
- Budget guesthouses or a standard Hotel
- Shared accommodation
- Volvo bus to and from Delhi
- Local transport, basic sightseeing
- Mostly self-arranged food and activities
| Packages | Duration | Cost Per Person |
| Delhi to Manali Volvo Trip | 4 Nights 5 Days | 5,100 INR |
| Kullu Manali Trip by Volvo | 5 Nights 6 Days | 6,750 INR |
| Shimla Manali Volvo Tour | 5 Nights 6 Days | 9,899 INR |
6–7 Day Budget Group Tour (₹12,000–₹15,000 per person)
Includes:
- Shared accommodation
- Private vehicle (shared across the group)
- Sightseeing in 2–3 towns
- Some meals as breakfast and dinner
| Packages | Duration | Cost Per Person |
| Highlights of Himachal | 6 Nights 7 Days | 17,799 INR |
| Shimla Manali Tour | 5 Nights 6 Days | 14,999 INR |
| Shimla Manali from Chandigarh | 6 Nights 7 Days | 17,599 INR |
Final Hacks to Give a Kickstart to your Budget trip to Himachal Now
- Do not book everything in advance, as you can get the best deal after arrival at the actual place.
- Do not get overwhelmed by Instagram pictures; plan for places and activities that suit you best.
- Carry cash to travel freely without wasting time searching for ATMS
- Try to find an accommodation near the Railway Station or the city centre to get connected with the main city and not get lazy.
