How to Plan a Budget Trip to Manali from Delhi

Tips for a Budget Manali Trip from Delhi

Planning a budget trip to Manali from Delhi is a great idea if you want to enjoy the beauty of the mountains without spending too much money. Manali, a well-known hill station in Himachal Pradesh, is famous for its snow-covered peaks, beautiful scenery, and calm environment. 

With some smart planning, you can have a wonderful trip without breaking the bank. From cheap modes of travel to low-budget accommodations and inexpensive food, visiting Manali on a budget is entirely doable. Whether you're traveling with friends, family or even by yourself, this trip can be enjoyable and cheap.

Best Travel Options from Delhi to Manali

There are many ways to travel from Delhi to Manali. The cheapest, and easiest way is by bus. You can go for Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) or private Volvo buses, which begin from around ₹600 for basic buses and ₹1,000–₹1,400 for AC Volvo buses. The journey takes about 12 to 14 hours. Trains do not go directly to Manali, but you can take a train to Chandigarh or Joginder Nagar and then continue by taxi or bus. If you are travelling in a group sharing a taxi or hiring a Tempo Traveller are also excellent choices.

Suggested Read: Delhi to Manali by Road – for a detailed travel guide with road tips and route options.

Budget-Friendly Accommodation

If you're going to Manali on a budget, you'll be pleased to know that there are plenty of affordable options where you can stay. For backpackers or solo travelers, hostels such as Zostel, The Hosteller, and Backpacker Panda are ideal choices. They're not only budget-friendly—beds start as low as ₹300 per night—but also ideal for making friends with other travelers.

If you're traveling as a couple or with family, you’ll find plenty of decent budget hotels offering clean and comfortable rooms in the ₹800 to ₹1,200 range per night. Just a tip—book your stay online in advance. It usually works out cheaper and saves you the trouble of searching once you're there.

Eat Local and Save More

Rather than having meals in expensive restaurants and cafes, opt for local dhabas and cafes. They have fresh flavorful food at very low cost, usually ₹100–₹200 per meal. Don't miss out on trying local foods such as Siddu, Rajma Chawal, and Chana Madra for an authentic Himachali flavor.

Explore for Free or Cheap

There are numerous of free places to visit in Manali, including the Hadimba Temple, Mall Road, Jogini Falls, and Vashisht Hot Springs. If you would like to do adventure sports like paragliding, and river rafting, compare prices from various operators and try to join a group so you can share the expenses.       

Travel During Off-Season

Plan your trip for March, April, or September to benefit from lower prices and fewer tourists. Avoid long weekends, and holiday seasons, as accommodation and transportation costs tend to rise during those times.

Final Thoughts

If you want to plan a budget trip to Manali from Delhi, it's absolutely possible with some planning. By choosing inexpensive travel choices, booking inexpensive hotels, and enjoying the local food, you can easily save money. If you're traveling in groups of friends or family, reserving a Delhi to Manali Tempo Traveller is an excellent option to make the journey comfortable without exceeding your budget. It makes the trip so much more enjoyable and relaxed, all while staying within budget.