The northern region of India has a lot of tourist destinations, Himachal Pradesh is one of these destinations that is the most popular among tourists. People of all travel preferences can visit this gorgeous destination. Himachal Pradesh is ideal for tourists travelling for religious and spiritual purposes as well as for backpackers and adventure lovers. There’s something for everyone in Himachal Pradesh.
If you consider backpackers travellers, Himachal Pradesh draws thousands of backpacking tourists from all over the world. Most of these backpackers travel light and are always on the look for budget options. Traveling on a budget is not just being tight on money. An exciting and adventurous budget trip to Himachal Pradesh, an experience to cherish for years to come.
1st Step: The Off-season Travel
Time is the most crucial factor while making a low-budget travel plan. March to June (Summer season) and December to February (Winter Season) are peak travel seasons in Himachal. The price of hotels, flights and even domestic flights during these seasons.
The ideal time of the year is for a budget-friendly vacation are during shoulder seasons (March, late June-July, September-November). There are optimum weather and considerably lower prices. With their stunning fall colors or lush greenery following the monsoons, the views often in their most beautiful. The off-season is the monsoon season from July to August. Travel plans can be disturbed due to landslides and heavy rains, so keep an eye out for such risks when prices are the lowest. The best time to travel to offbeat places like Jibhi or Tirthan valley, you can find riverbank homestays at very affordable rates, if you’re looking for isolation and a green, misty landscape.
2nd Step: Frugal Travel with Intelligent Transport
The often transportation, can be reduced dramatically with a little planning. Just about every village and town in the state is covered by the state’s wide network of public buses operated by the Himachal Road Transport Corporation HRTC. The cheapest and most reliable way of getting around is by bus. Besides spending money on a night’s accommodation, you can book warm overnight Volvo buses from big towns like Delhi or Chandigarh to Manali, Shimla or Dharamshala.
Taxi rental services in Himachal Pradesh are a popular and affordable option for shorter hops between villages. They’re a great way to make new friends on the road and operate on fixed routes.
Hitchhiking is a popular and surprisingly dependable way to move around for free in some of the safer, more isolated areas, like the Parvati Valley.
Budget-friendly tip is to take a train to nearby railhead, like Chandigarh or Kalka, and then take a bus to your destination rather than flying directly or hiring a private taxi.
3rd Step: Affordable Lodging
Bid farewell to pricey hotels and welcome to the community-focused world of homestays and hostels. The backpacking scene in Himachal Pradesh is flourishing, and there are plenty of hostels in well-known locations like Bir, Kasol and Manali.
Hostels: It approximately takes ₹400 to ₹800 per night, and clean dorm beds are available from brands like Zostel, Moustache, and The Hosteller. These hostels are social places where you will encounter other tourists, join group activities and receive insider tips from fellow travelers and staff. Many of them have shared kitchens, which allows you to cook your own meals and cut costs even further.
Homestays: Pick a homestay for a more authentic and interactive experience. Get to experience the local culture, have meals made at home and stay with a local family. Homestays are a cozy, personal and affordable than commercial hotels and are particularly favoured in offbeat destinations like Tirthan Valley, Jibhi and Sainj.
Delicious food in Himachal Pradesh –
Himachal Pradesh’s local cuisine offers cheap yet delicious food. Dhabas, roadside eateries, are the heart and soul of Himachali food. Dhabas at a quarter of the cost of restaurants, offers simple, hearty and authentic food. Explore the street food culture in cities like Manali and Shimla. Not only are sidu, momos and thukpa.
5th Step: Cheap Activities
You don’t need to spend much money to enjoy an adventure in Himachal Pradesh. Some of these are –
Trekking and Hiking are free of cost, hence it is a trekker’s paradise. Visit the waterfalls at Solang Valley, trek around Kasol or ascend to Triund from Dharamkot. You just need a water bottle and some snacks to enjoy the stunning views and mountain air.
Explore monasteries and temples like the Tsuglagkhang Complex in McLeod Ganj or the Hadimba Temple in Manali, which are free to visit. They offer an intense insight into the spiritual and cultural heritage of the region.
Take a walk around Himachali town on foot is the finest way to enjoy it. Explore the quaint lanes of old Manali, stroll along Shimla’s Mall Road or stroll through Sainj Valley’s apple orchards.
Conclusion –
It’s a self-satisfying experience to organize a budget trip to Himachal Pradesh to prove that it is possible to experience the beauty of the Himalayas without a deep dig into the pocket. You can have a financially sensible yet enriching adventure by organizing your trip judiciously, booking accommodations at moderate prices, and immersing yourself in the local cultures.