Stay logged in to proceed with bookings, orders and offers.
On changing the terminal, you will loose items in your cart. Are you sure you want to change your terminal?
Solo travel on a budget and enjoy the vacation of your dreams in Himachal Pradesh.
Himachal Pradesh lies in the lap of the Himalayas and beckons travellers with its diverse landscapes and rich culture. Known as the "Land of Gods", this state is an eclectic mix of ancient traditions, landscapes, adventures and destinations. This is the story of my journey as a budget wanderer through Himachal, with money-saving tips to help you plan a trip that's easy on the pocket. Some essential tips for a budget holiday: Avoid high prices by travelling during the off-season. Try to book as early as possible. Also, make it a point to book homestays, go for basic accommodation, and eat at affordable local restaurants. Explore offbeat places as they are cheaper. Choose free activities like swimming in a public lake and going on a mountain hike. My first step was to map my route economically for time and money. I decided to journey through Chail, Kasauli, Mandi, Manali, Bir Billing, and Kullu.
Read More
Read Less
With some research, I minimised transit and maximised my stay. Old Manali was my hub, with quick access to attractions. Mandi was my pre-trek stop on my Prashar Lake trek, while Shimla was the base for Chail and Kasauli. Bir offered economic stay options, and Sangla was the place I stayed at while visiting Kullu. For budget-conscious choices, I stayed at the Lost Tribe Hostel in Old Manali that had dorms starting from Rs. 400 per night. In Mandi, Mountain View Guesthouse was a pre-trek stop at Rs. 600 per night. Shimla's Budget Bliss Guesthouse, starting at Rs. 800, facilitated my Chail and Kasauli experiences. Nature's Nest Inn in Bir, starting at Rs. 700 per night, aligned with my financial parametres and the quest for authentic Himachali experiences.
Based on my travels, these are some places in Himachal that you can explore on a shoestring budget.
I began with Chail, at 2,200 metres, in the Shivalik Himalayas. I explored Chail Palace, a heritage hotel resonating with regal history, by paying Rs. 100 as entrance fees. Afterwards, I stopped at the Café Palace, on the property, for refreshments and the breathtaking views. The nature trek at Chail Wildlife Sanctuary and the visit to Kali Ka Tibba for beautiful hilltop views were followed by a visit to the Chail Cricket Ground, the world's highest cricket ground surrounded by mountains. I visited Sidh Baba Ka Mandir and Gurudwara Sahib for a spiritual experience. A picnic by the stream in Sadhupul, with some travellers I befriended, created lasting memories and friendships. Chail Bazaar fuelled my inner shopaholic for trinkets and gifts.
A destination often overlooked by travellers, there are many places to visit in Kasauli. Budget-friendly activities that helped me enjoy my stay at Kasauli included visits to Christ Church, Baptist Church, Manki Point and the Tibetan Market. The sunrise and sunset points are a paradise for bird watchers, flora lovers, and trekkers. Manki Point, also known as Monkey Point in Kasauli, a well-known viewpoint, provided sweeping views of Kasauli town, the Punjab plains, and the Sutlej River. It derives its name from the legend of Lord Hanuman placing his foot here during his search for the Sanjeevani herb, and is commemorated by a small temple.
On the recommendation of fellow travellers, I went on the Prashar Lake trek in Mandi. The ascent was invigorating and challenging but well worth the effort when I reached the top and was rewarded by the breathtaking landscapes of the Dhauladhar, Pir Panjal, and Kinnaur ranges. The Prashar Rishi temple by the lake blended harmoniously with its traditional Himachali architecture. The stay at the campsite by the lake cost around Rs. 3,000 for two people for two nights, and included lunch, dinner, and breakfast. The lasting memories included sitting by the campfire and swapping travel tales with fellow travellers.
Old Manali blends history, culture, and modern charm coupled with ancient mythology. Budget-friendly attractions include the serene Manali Nature Park with ancient deodar trees, the revered Hadimba Devi Temple—dedicated to Bhima’s wife from the Mahabharata—and the nearby Vashisht Temple and its rejuvenating hot springs. Another attraction is the Manu Temple, where Sage Manu—the originator of all humanity—is said to have lived here. I enjoyed eating local specialities like momos and thukpa at eateries with affordable prices.
When you jump from a height of 2,400 metres, putting every ounce of your trust in the paragliding pilot with whom you are attached, you realise that walking on the ground is so mainstream. I have taken that leap of faith twice, and all I can say is that every adrenaline junkie should include this in their bucket list. For both times, I chose Bir Billing, the Paragliding Capital of India. Apart from being the best adventure destination, the place also fulfils your spiritual and romantic appetite. The Buddhist monasteries, cute cafes, and scenic beauty of Bir Billing make it perfect for a weekend escape.
Tosh is a village at a height of 7,874 feet, and is located at the end of Parvati Valley. I had heard a lot about this wonderful hike earlier and wanted to follow the trail to see what it takes to be there. Undeniably, the feeling of reaching the top was beyond my imagination as I got to experience many emotions during the trek. My journey through Himachal Pradesh taught me that wanderlust can thrive even on a limited budget, reminding us that the joy of discovery knows no financial limits. Happy travels!
The Adani One expressly disclaims all liability, direct and indirect, in respect to actions taken or not taken based on any or all the contents of this Blog. The Blog is an opinion of the contributor based on the collation of data from various sources and is provided only for information purpose. Adani One does not canvass, advertise, solicit, invite or induct for any product, merchandise, information, brand or any other materials mentioned in the Blog, nor does it obtain any monetary benefit from the same. Reader is advised to read and apply his/her intellect and discretion in this regard. Any Intellectual Property mentioned in this blog belongs to the rightful owner. We do not intent to claim any interest over the same.
