Shimla and Manali are really hill stations in India. A lot of people think that going to Shimla and Manali is going to cost a lot of money.. That is not true. You can actually plan a trip, to Shimla and Manali without spending much money if you plan it well. This guide will show you how to get to Shimla and Manali without spending a lot, where to stay in Shimla and Manali without breaking the bank and how to eat in Shimla and Manali on a budget.
If you are a student or you are traveling alone or you are a couple or you are a family and you want to go to Shimla Manali without spending a lot of money this travel guide for Shimla Manali trip is for people like you who want to travel on a budget, to Shimla Manali.
Why Choose Shimla and Manali for a Budget Trip?
Shimla and Manali are perfect budget destinations because:
Good road connectivity from major cities
Wide range of budget hotels and homestays
Affordable local food
Many free or low-cost attractions
Public transport is easily available
You can have a time, with nature, snow and all the sightseeing. It is also possible to have a lot of adventure. The good thing is that you can do all these things without spending a lot of money. You just need to plan everything. This way you can enjoy nature and snow and all the adventure at a low cost.
Best Time to Visit Shimla and Manali on a Budget
Avoid Peak Season (Important Budget Tip)
The best time to visit is from April to June. Then again from December to January. This is when a lot of people go so the prices of hotels and taxis and food are really high, during these months.
Best Budget Months
February to March
July to September (monsoon, but cheaper)
October to November
These months are a time to find hotels that are not too expensive and traveling is also cheaper. You can get a hotel room, for a price and you do not have to pay a lot of money to travel during these months.
How to Reach Shimla and Manali on a Low Budget
- Budget Travel by Bus
Buses are really cheap to get to Shimla and Manali. They are the option if you want to save money when you travel to Shimla and Manali. I think buses are the way to reach Shimla and Manali.
Delhi to Shimla bus: ₹400–₹700
Delhi to Manali bus: ₹600–₹1000
Government buses (HRTC) are cheaper and reliable.
- Train + Bus Combination (Cheapest Option)
Train from Delhi to Kalka
Kalka to Shimla by toy train
This option is very affordable and scenic.
- Avoid Flights to Save Money
I think flights can be really pricey. They do not fit into my budget. That is why I would rather take the road or travel by train these options are better, for me. Flights are just too expensive, so road or train travel is what I prefer.
Budget Hotels in Shimla and Manali
Best Budget Stay Options
Homestays
Guest houses
Hostels
Budget hotels near main market
Average Budget Hotel Cost
₹600–₹1,200 per night (budget)
₹1,500–₹2,000 (comfortable stay)
Money-Saving Tip
Book hotels away from Mall Road or main tourist areas for lower prices.
Budget Places to Visit in Shimla
- Mall Road (Free)
Enjoy walking, window shopping, and street food without spending much.
- The Ridge (Free)
Perfect place for mountain views and photos.
- Jakhoo Temple (Low Cost)
Reach by walking or shared taxi instead of ropeway.
- Kufri (Budget Friendly)
Use local buses instead of private taxis to save money.
- Christ Church (Free)
A peaceful place to relax and enjoy architecture.
Budget Places to Visit in Manali
- Old Manali (Low Cost)
Stay, eat, and explore cafes at very reasonable prices.
- Hidimba Devi Temple (Free)
One of the most popular attractions with no entry fee.
- Vashisht Village & Hot Springs (Low Cost)
Enjoy natural hot water baths at minimal cost.
- Solang Valley (Budget Tip)
Visit for views and photos. Avoid costly activities if on a tight budget.
- Local Markets
Explore Tibetan Market and Manali Mall Road for affordable shopping.
Cheap Food Options in Shimla and Manali
Eat Like a Local
Local food is tasty and affordable.
Budget Meals Cost: ₹100–₹200
Must-Try Budget Foods
Momos
Thukpa
Maggi
Siddu
Parathas
Budget Food Tip
Avoid fancy restaurants. Eat at local dhabas and small cafes.
Low-Cost Things to Do in Shimla and Manali
- Nature Walks & Photography (Free)
Enjoy mountain views, forests, and rivers without spending money.
- Snow Experience on Budget
Instead of expensive snow parks, enjoy natural snow areas.
- Temple Visits (Free)
Most temples do not charge you to go. You can just walk into temples without having to pay any money.
- Local Sightseeing by Bus
Use local buses instead of private taxis to save a lot.
Budget Adventure Activities (Optional)
If you do adventure activities it will cost you money.. You can pick the ones you really want to do and that way you can spend your money wisely on adventure activities.
Affordable Adventure Options
Short treks
River rafting (off-season discounts)
Snow play (basic activities)
Avoid high-priced packages if traveling on a tight budget.
Daily Budget for Shimla and Manali Trip
Estimated Daily Budget (Per Person)
Stay: ₹700
Food: ₹300
Local travel: ₹200
Sightseeing: ₹100
Total: ₹1,300–₹1,500 per day
5-Day Shimla Manali Budget Trip Cost
Approximate Total Cost
Travel: ₹1,500–₹2,000
Stay: ₹3,500–₹5,000
Food & travel: ₹2,000–₹3,000
Total Budget: ₹8,000–₹12,000 per person
Money-Saving Travel Tips (Very Important)
Travel in off-season
Use government buses
Share taxis with other travelers
Book hotels in advance
Avoid unnecessary shopping
Carry your own water bottle
Compare prices before booking activities
Best Budget Trip for Couples & Students
Shimla and Manali are ideal for:
College students
Backpackers
Budget couples
Solo travelers
I think these places are great because they have stays, a safe environment and easy transport. This makes them perfect for people who’re on a budget and want a good place to stay. Affordable stays and easy transport are really important, to me when I am looking for budget destinations.
Safety Tips for Budget Travelers
Check weather before travel
Avoid night travel in hills
Keep emergency cash
Follow local rules
Avoid agents offering “too cheap” deals
Final Words
A trip, to the mountains does not have to cost a lot of money. If you plan things correctly a Shimla and Manali budget trip can be a lot of fun. You can see beautiful views and eat local food and go for quiet walks all without spending too much money on your Shimla and Manali budget trip.
This Shimla and Manali Budget Trip Guide will help you plan smart, travel cheap, and enjoy more. Add these beautiful hill stations to your travel list and explore Himachal Pradesh without stress on your wallet.
