Categories: Hostel

Himachal Pradesh Travel Guide: Budget, Itinerary & Tips

Are you really looking for a refreshing trip, but don’t know how to plan? Firstly, congratulations, you have made the right choice. Get ready for a trip to Himachal Pradesh. Don’t worry, mountains don’t charge entry fees, and rivers don’t charge tickets, but every place is worth a visit. Sounds interesting, right?

What matters most during the trip is a good warm place for sleeping, eating healthy, and adding marvellous places to your travel itinerary. Mostly, travel blogs won’t tell you about a proper budget breakdown, a perfect itinerary and insider tips, but you don’t need to go anywhere else, as you are already on the right page. 

In this guide, you will know about the budget, itinerary & tips for a perfect trip to Himachal Pradesh. Even if you are on a low budget or not, just spending 1.5-2k per day will make your journey worthwhile. So, keep scrolling down for a complete Himachal Pradesh travel guide.

Quick Overview: Himachal Pradesh Travel Guide

  • Top places: Manali, Kasol, Shimla, Dharamshala, McLeodGanj, etc.
  • Ideal duration: 6 to 7 days
  • Ideal Budget: ₹6,000 to ₹15,000+
  • Best time: March to June

Travel Himachal On A Budget: Cost Breakdown

A 6-7 day budget to trip to Himachal Pradesh costs around ₹6,000 to ₹15,000+. However, the experience might differ as per individual preferences, but it is a basic overview of the budget trip. 

Here is the basic pie-chart representation of the 6-7-day budget trip cost breakdown (per person)

6-7 Days Budget Trip Cost Breakdown (Per Person)
Transport ₹3,000 to ₹5,000
Accommodation ₹4,800 to ₹9,000
Food & Drinks ₹3,000 to ₹4,500
Activities & Sightseeing ₹1,500 to ₹3,000
  • Pro Tip: Be focused on budget-friendly things like choosing buses for transportation instead of private volvos, consider affordable rooms with proper amenities, eat at local cafes and dhabas, and don’t miss out on activities and sightseeing..

Himachal Pradesh Trip Itinerary For 6-7 Days

Ready for a trip? Here is the Himachal Pradesh trip itinerary for 6-7 days:

Day 1: An overnight bus trip to Shimla: Check-in and nearby exploration

Prepare yourself for travelling from your nearest bus station/railway/airport as per your choice. Travel overnight to reach by morning. However, the arrival timing depends on your location. Once you reach, do all the check-in formalities, then leisurely explore the nearby areas or property. Take rest properly, go for evening walks and get back to the hotel for a soulful Himachali dinner.

Day 2: Arrival in Shimla: Kufri Excursion, Mall Road and Shopping

It’s the 2nd day of your Himachal Pradesh trip, get ready for a full day local sightseeing tour within the natural beauty of Shimla. Enjoy your 2nd day fully as it includes Kufri exploration, shopping at Mall Road and a visit to the Himalayan Zoo.

Day 3: Manali Visit: Local Exploration

After having a delicious breakfast at the hotel, make yourself ready for a trip to Manali.

On the 3rd day of the Himachal Pradesh trip itinerary includes a visit to Manali, Sundernagar Lake, Hanogi Devi Temple, and Vaishno Devi Temple. Furthermore, leisurely enjoy an evening walk and end your day with a sumptuous dinner at the hotel.

Day 4: A Day Trip To Rohtang Pass

Wake up at the hotel, enjoy breakfast and proceed for a full-day trip to Rohtang Pass. Enjoy sightseeing and activities like skiing, scooter riding, horse riding, yak riding, snow scooter riding and so on. Take advantage of every moment and return to your hotel for dinner and an overnight stay. 

Day 5: Ready For a Dharamshala Visit

Begin a morning with tea and the beautiful views. Then follow the check-out formalities to head towards Dharamshala. Enjoy scenic views along the way and get the chance to visit the best Himachal Pradesh trip places such as Palampur tea gardens, Baijnath Temple and Chamunda Devi Temple. After that, enjoy several things to do in Dharamshala, get back to the hotel for rest and then enjoy leisure stroll in the evening. End your day at the hotel, and have a good sleep. 

Day 6: Transfer to Dalhousie: Day tour of McLeodganj

Do all the morning rituals at your hotel, and then you will be transferred to Dalhousie. On the way to Dalhousie, you can easily take a detour to McLeodganj and visit the Dalai Lama’s home town, followed by other McLeodganj tourist places like Bhagsunath Temple, Dal Lake, Tota Rani Village, St. John Church and McLeodganj Market. After exploring McLeodganj, head to your hotel for dinner and sleep.

Day 7: Enjoy A Day Excursion to Khajjiar & Departure

Savour delectable cuisines at the hotel, gear up for your visit to the Switzerland of India – Khajjiar. Explore the beauty of Khajjiar along with a visit to the spectacular lake in the middle. After enjoying your half-day, get back to the hotel to check for formalities. Lastly, transfer to your station/railway/airport station, where you will begin the journey back home. 

How to Get Around Himachal Pradesh?

Himachal Pradesh is way more beautiful than you think, and it comes under all budgets. And there are several ways to get around within the state.

  • HRTC Buses: The Himachal Road Transport Corporation runs buses within the entire state, offering the cheapest way to travel between the towns.
  • Shared taxis: Utilised shared taxis which split the cost between 4 to 5 people, especially near the remote areas like Spiti and Kinnaur.
  • Local buses: Go with slow local buses that run within districts and cost around ₹10 to ₹50 for most of the trips.

Reality Check: Best Time to Visit Himachal Pradesh

As a traveller, do you also agree that the overall trip experience depends on ideal weather conditions? Well, it’s the truth. The best season defines the true definition of the place, just like the best time to visit Himachal Pradesh is from March to June. 

Have a look at the seasonal breakdown for visiting Himachal Pradesh to plan your visit accordingly.

Best Time to Visit Himachal Pradesh
Season Months Highlights
Summer March to June Best weather, but crowded
Monsoon July to September Landslides and delays
Winter October to February Snow but unpredictable

Where to Stay In Himachal Pradesh?

Already planned your trip to Himachal Pradesh, but don’t know where to stay? Well, you don’t need to worry about it. Feel free to choose the best backpacker hostel in Himachal Pradesh, named Sort By Stays Himachal, located near the major tourist attractions, ensuring great comfort for all guests.

Other Accommodation Options

  • The Hosteller Shimla
  • Rockwood B&B
  • Shiva Home Stays
  • Nazara Homestay
  • Moustache Shoja

Best Things To Do In Himachal Pradesh

Here are various ways to make the most of your trip to Himachal Pradesh. Indulge in an array of things to do in Himachal Pradesh and create memories that will last forever. 

Top Adventure & Outdoor Activities

  • Paragliding & Adventure Sports
  • Trekking
  • River Rafting
  • Camping

Cultural & Sightseeing Activities

  • Monastery Exploration
  • Explore Local Cafes & Villages
  • Heritage Train Ride:ges
  • Visit the “Mini Switzerland

Insider Secrets From Experienced Himachal Travellers

Excited for your Himachal Pradesh but scared about how your journey will be? Not a problem, here is some expert advice from experienced Himachal travellers. So, follow these tips and get ready for a guaranteed successful trip. 

  • Travel in a group: Travelling in a group is always a good option for all kinds of tourists. It will not only make your trip affordable but also ensure safety and excitement.
  • Go Slowly: Moving too fast is the biggest regret later, so enjoy your trip slowly and spend at least 7 days peacefully.
  • Carry Cash: ATMs will be very hard to find in Himachal Pradesh, and searching for them is also time-consuming; that’s the reason you must always carry cash with you.
  • Negotiate Respectfully: Don’t be rude while negotiating, as polite negotiation is the only way to get the deal which is expected and accepted.
  • Eat Like Locals: Consider eating at local eateries and stalls to save big money without compromising on authentic Himachali cuisines.

The End Note

Here is the end of a Himachal Pradesh travel guide!

After reading, you might have understood that you don’t need to spend much, with just good planning, flexibility and insider’s secret tips are enough to make your trip successful. Don’t you agree? However, ₹6,000 to ₹15,000+ would be enough for an ideal trip.

Himachal Pradesh is one such place that never fails to impress its tourists, where every moment feels like a reward that costs more than you spend. Many travellers found this place truly mesmerising as it is the way to rejuvenate your mind, body and soul away from city life. 

So, what are you up to? Prepare yourself for visiting Himachal Pradesh, where traditions meet tranquillity!

FAQs

How to plan a trip to Himachal Pradesh?

Planning a trip to Himachal Pradesh is pretty simple. Most travellers opt for 6 to 7 days of a trip with a perfect mix of beautiful places like Dharamshala, McLeodganj, Shimla, Manali, Kufri and so on. Look at the ways to plan your trip to Himachal Pradesh:

  • Choose the season
  • Include the top places in the travel itinerary
  • Arrange affordable transportation
  • Follow the insider’s tips

How many days are enough for a trip to Himachal Pradesh?

For an ideal trip to Himachal Pradesh, 6 to 7 days is enough for an unforgettable vacation which will cover major attractions like Shimla, Manali, Dharamshala and McLeodganj.

How much will a Himachal Pradesh trip budget cost?

Well, a 6 to 7-day trip to Himachal Pradesh typically costs around ₹6,000 to ₹15,000+ per person. 

What are the best Himachal Pradesh trip places for a vacation?

The top Himachal Pradesh destinations include popular hill stations like Manali and Shimla, along with scenic landscapes like Dharamshala, McLeod Ganj, Kasol, and so on. No matter whether you are on a budget trip or a luxury getaway, every place has something special for everyone.

How to make a perfect Himachal Pradesh trip itinerary?

A perfect Himachal Pradesh itinerary requires at least 6 to 7 days. Here is the curated itinerary, which is liked by many Himachali travellers:

  • Day 1: An overnight bus trip to Shimla
  • Day 2: Arrival in Shimla: Kufri Excursion
  • Day 3: Manali Visit: Local Exploration
  • Day 4: A Day Trip To Rohtang Pass
  • Day 5: Ready For a Dharamshala Visit
  • Day 6: Transfer to Dalhousie: Day tour of McLeodganj
  • Day 7: Enjoy A Day Excursion to Khajjiar & Departure
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