Himachal Pradesh is often regarded as a pricey destination owing to its luxurious resorts and lavish cottages. Yet, it remains one of India’s most backpacker-friendly states. By avoiding private luxuries and turning to public transport instead, you can easily spend ₹20,000 on your 6 to 7 days Himachal Pradesh Tour. With its improved hostel range and enhanced bus connectivity by 2026, you can explore the Himalayas without putting too many burdens on your wallet.

How to plan a 6 to 7 day Himachal Tour under 20,000?

Budget travel requires a quick breakdown of what you should do regarding finances and your travel plans, respectively:

1.  Transportation: Unlike other components, transportation is identified as the costliest component of a mountain vacation. Do not take a private cab, as it would cost above ₹12,000 to reach Manali from Delhi. Take the Himalayan Road Transport Corporation. Buses for Delhi to Shimla/Manali range between ₹550 and ₹900. For a more comfortable overnight stay, Volvo/Himsuta will cost between ₹1,200 and ₹1,800. Local Transportation in the form of HRTC buses or shared transport in the towns of Manali or Dharamshala. Walking between nearby destinations like Old Manali and New Manali can save hundreds of rupees.

2.  Best Route: If you’re on a budget, the key is not to try to cover the entire state. Despite this, identify a region where you can save on transit days and gasoline. Some options are – Shimla + Manali + Kasol; Dharamshala + McLeod Ganj + Bir Billing; Jibhi + Tirthan Valley.

3.  Accommodation: Travelling in Himachal 2026 boasts an extensive hostel network (zostel, the hosteller, and more). Dorm room beds are of good quality and cost between ₹500 and 800 per night. For couples travelling in pairs, there are private rooms which will cost ₹1,200 to 1,800. This is equivalent to ₹600 to 900 per person.

4.  Food: While cafes in old Manali or Kasol can give you great ambiance, with the added benefit that they are picture-friendly on the likes of Instagram, you may have to choose. Street foods include Maggie, Sidhu, and Momos; all these can be considered inexpensive and satisfying meals. Daily food should be able to cover one dinner at a café and two dinners at local eateries.

Total Budget Allowance per person:

Transportation - ₹3,500/-

Accommodation (6 nights) - ₹ 4,800/-

Food and water (7days) - ₹ 7,000/-

Activities - ₹ 4,000/-

Miscellaneous (entry fee, tea, and snacks) - ₹700

Total = ₹ 20,000/-

Budget-friendly tips for Himachal Tour:

Each of us should travel in pairs of 2 or 4. It will allow us to share a room and cabs in case buses are not frequent.

Refill your water, because filtered water is available in most hostels for free.

Rates will be four times the usual rate during the peak months of May, June, and December. Book your hostels at least 3 weeks prior.

Travel during off-season, March and October, which may help cut your accommodation costs by 30 to 40%.

Download the HRTC app to see the exact bus timings. You won’t be forced to hire costly private taxis because you “Missed the last bus.”

Conclusion:

When it comes to planning a trip to Himachal within ₹20,000, it is not an issue of being frugal but of being frugal and intelligent. Travel by local transport instead of hiring a private car, you not only save dollars but also experience the best part of travel. Staying in a hostel will make friends for life, with whom you would hike up the next peak. The budget-friendly way to travel Himachal would be with an empty wallet and a heavy heart, ready to immerse in the unpolished grandeur of the Himalayas.