Dreaming of Himalayan Escape to Manali on a budget without draining your savings. Recently I took a super affordable budget trip to Manali from Delhi and let me tell you, It’s totally doable on a budget from cheap bus rides to cosy hotels, tasty, local eats and breathtaking sports. I am sharing all my secrets to help you plan an epic adventure in 2025 to Manali. Here’s how I travelled from Delhi where I stayed what I ate, the must see places and how I got around locally all for less than ₹10,000
Why Manali is your next Budget Destination in 2025
Manali got it all from snow, dusted mountains, lush green valleys and a vibe that is chilling and thrilling. Whether you are a solo explorer or travelling with your family this Himalayan gem is perfect for budget travellers. My four-day trip cost me under ₹10,000 and I am here to share my experience.
Getting from Delhi to Manali in budget without breaking the bank
I kicked off my journey from Delhi to Manali and the goal was to keep it cheap and cheerful. Here’s I got to Manali
- Bus : I hopped on an overnight Volvo bus from Delhi’s ISBT Kashmere Gate booked through redBus for about ₹900. If you are okay with basic seats, HRTC buses are even cheaper at ₹600-₹700
- Pro Tip : book early like to 3 weeks ahead to get the best deals especially during busy months like April or November. 12 hour ride lands you in Manali by morning which is perfect for starting your adventure.
- Travel Hack : Pack a cosy blanket and some snacks. I bought a home-made sandwich to skip pricey Dhaba stops. Download off-line maps for the journey since signal can be spotty.
Total cost (Round trip) : ₹1800-₹2200
Where I stayed cosy and cheap spots in manali
Where I stayed cosy and cheap spots in manali
Manali’s got tons of budget friendly places to stay. I went for old manali to soak in its boho charm.
- My Pick : A lovely hostel in old manali where the beds cost ₹400 to 500 per night. I love the vibe at the place like the hosteller – perfect for meeting fellow travellers. Book via booking.com for discounts.
- Other Options : If you want privacy, Many homestay runs ₹900 to ₹1000 per night and comes with epic Mountain views. Check Airbnb for family run gems.
- Travel Hack : Visit mid week to get lower rates and ask for a deal if you are staying 3+ nights. I saved some money by chatting with the hostel owner.
Total cost (4 Nights ) : ₹1500-₹2000.
What I Ate : Manali Food on a budget
Manali’s food scene is a budget traveller’s dream – think steaming plates of local goodness that won’t empty your pocket.
- Breakfast in Manali : I started my day at roadside Dhaba is with buttery Aloo parathas (₹40-₹60) or a bowl of hot Maggie for ₹50. Try Lazy Dog Cafe in old Manali for affordable breakfast.
- Lunch in Manali : Local eateries like Dylan’s Toasted and Roasted served hearty thalis(₹120-₹160) or veg momos ₹60 – ₹90 so filing and so cheap.
- Dinner in Manali : I went for Himachali specialities like dam a rice based platter (₹100-₹140).
Street side, chole bhature (₹50) was my go to evening snack.
Total Food cost (4 Days ) : ₹1600-₹2200
Must see spots in Manali that won’t cost a fortune
In Manali many beautiful places are either free or super cheap. Here is where I wandered.
- Hadimba Devi Temple : This peaceful temple, tucked in a cedar forest, is free to visit. I spent an hour snapping pia and soaking in the calm.
- Vashisht Hot Springs : A short walk from Old Manali, these natural hot springs are free and perfect for a relaxing soak.
- Jogini Waterfall : A 2-3 km hike from Vashisht led me to this gorgeous waterfall. No entry fee-just bring water and snacks for a picnic!
- Solang Valley : I joined a shared cab (₹400 round trip) to see this stunning valley. Skipped pricey activities like zorbing (₹500+) and just enjoyed the views.
- Manu Temple : A quick, free stop in Old Manali with cool history and awesome photo spots.
- Travel Hack : Hit these spots early to dodge crowds. Share transport costs with other travelers to save big.
Total Sightseeing Cost: ₹400-₹700
Getting Around Manali on a Budget
Manali’s small enough to explore on a budget, and I mixed walking with cheap local options.
- On Foot : Old Manali’s cafes and temples are super walkable, so saved a ton by strolling around.
- Local Buses : HRTC buses to Solang Valley or Naggar cost (₹20-₹150) one way. They’re frequent and reliable- check schedules at Mall Road.
- Shared Cabs : I split cabs with other travellers for day trips (₹200-₹350) per person to Solang or Rohtang Pass).
- Scooter Fun : Rented a scooter for ₹450/day to zip around Naggar and nearby villages. Fuel was just 100 for a day.
- Travel Hack : Avoid private taxis (₹800+/day) and haggle for shared cabs. Walking to nearby spots like Hadimba Devi Temple saved me ₹200 – ₹300
Total Local Transport Cost (4 Days) : ₹700-₹1200
My 4-Day Manali Itinerary
Here’s how I planned my 4 days to keep it simple, full of fun and affordable:
Day 1 : Landed in Manali, checked into my hostel, wandered Old Manali’s quirky streets, and visited Hadimba Devi Temple (free).
Day 2 : Hiked to Jogini Waterfall, chilled at Vashisht Hot Springs, and checked out Manu Temple-all free!
Day 3 : Took a shared cab to Solang Valley, snapped pics, and browsed Mall Road for cheap souvenirs (budget 200).
Day 4 : Rented a scooter to visit Naggar Castle (50 entry), then caught an overnight bus back to Delhi.
My Favorite Manali Travel Hacks
Book Smart : Grab bus tickets and accommodations early for 20-30% savings
Off-Season Wins : April or September means fewer crowds and cheaper rates
Eat Like a Local : Dhabas and street stalls are half the price of touristy spots.
Team Up : Share cabs or join group tours to cut transport costs
Free Fun : Focus on free gems like waterfalls and temples to keep your budget happy
Total Cost Breakdown for 4 Days
Travel (Dell -Manali-Delhi): ₹2000-₹2500
Accommodation (4 nights): ₹2000-₹2500
Food (4 days): ₹2000-₹2200
Sightseeing: ₹700-₹1000
Local Transport: ₹750-₹1200
Grand Total: – ₹7500-₹9400
Final Thoughts
My Manali trip was pure magic-snowy peaks, cozy cafes, and adventures that didn’t cost a fortune! With these hacks, you can plan your own budget-friendly escape to Manall in 2025. Got questions or your own tips to share? Drop then in the comments-I’d love to hear frem you.
Happy travels!
Sounds exciting and budget friendly , will surely try.