# Himachal on ₹1,500/Day
Is It Really Possible?
Yes. I've done month-long trips in Himachal spending ₹1,000-1,500/day including transport, food, and accommodation. Here's how.
Accommodation (₹500-800/night)
Budget Options
**HPTDC Hotels:** Government-run, reliable, and cheap. Available in almost every town. ₹500-1,200 for a double room.
**Hostels:** Manali, Kasol, Bir, and McLeodganj have excellent hostels (₹400-800 for a dorm bed).
**Homestays:** In smaller villages (Tirthan, Jibhi, Chitkul), homestays run ₹600-1,000 including meals.
**Temple dharamshalas:** Free or donation-based stays near major temples.
Free Camping
Wild camping is generally tolerated in remote areas. Carry a good tent and sleeping bag, and you can camp by rivers, in meadows, or near trailheads. Always ask locals first.
Food (₹300-500/day)
**Local dhabas:** ₹60-100 for a filling thali (dal, rice, sabzi, roti)
**Street momos:** ₹40-60 for a plate
**Self-cook:** Many hostels have kitchens. Buy rice, dal, and vegetables at local markets.
**Avoid tourist restaurants** (especially on Mall Roads) — prices are 3-5x dhaba rates for worse food.
Transport (₹200-400/day)
HRTC Buses
The Himachal Road Transport Corporation is your best friend. Ordinary buses are incredibly cheap (₹3/km) and go everywhere — from Shimla to tiny hill villages. The Volvo buses for longer routes (Delhi-Manali) are comfortable and ₹800-1,500.
Shared Vehicles
In Spiti, Lahaul, and remote valleys, shared Sumos/tempos ply between villages at fixed rates. ₹100-300 per stretch.
Free Experiences
The best things in Himachal are free:
Trekking (Triund, Kheerganga, and dozens of day hikes)
Temple visits (every village has ancient temples)
River walks along the Beas, Parvati, Tirthan
Sunset watching from any ridge
Stargazing in high-altitude villages
Hot springs at Vashisht, Manikaran, Tattapani (public baths are free)
Where to Spend
**One good trek** — even budget travelers should invest ₹3,000-5,000 in a proper guided trek
**Kullu shawl** — buy direct from weavers (₹1,500-2,500 for genuine handwoven) rather than tourist shops (₹3,000-5,000 for the same thing)
**Good rain jacket** — the ₹2,000 you spend on a proper jacket will save you from miserable wet days
Sample Budget (7 Days, Solo)
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That's under $125 for a week in the Himalayas. Not bad.
