If you think a trip to the mountains will burn a hole in your pocket, think again. Himachal Pradesh, with its breathtaking valleys, cozy villages, and adventurous vibes, can be explored even on a shoestring budget — if you plan it right. In this guide, we’ll show you how to backpack to Kasol, Tosh, and Manali for just ₹7,000, covering travel, stay, food, and experiences. Yes, it’s possible — you just need the right itinerary and some budget travel hacks.
Whether you’re a college student on a semester break, a solo traveler craving peace, or a group of friends seeking adventure, this trip plan will let you make the most out of Himachal’s charm without worrying about expenses.
🗺 Why Kasol, Tosh, and Manali?
These three spots are perfect for a week-long trip:
- Kasol – Known as the “Mini Israel of India,” famous for its hippie cafes, riverside charm, and vibrant backpacker culture.
- Tosh – A quaint village in the Parvati Valley surrounded by snowy peaks and peaceful vibes.
- Manali – The evergreen Himalayan town offering a mix of adventure sports, scenic landscapes, and bustling markets.
The route between these places is well-connected and budget-friendly if you use state-run buses and shared cabs.
🚌 Budget Transport Plan – Delhi to Himachal & Back
The most cost-effective way to reach Himachal is via Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) or Punjab Roadways buses. They’re reliable, safe, and much cheaper than private Volvo operators.
Delhi to Bhuntar (Gateway to Kasol)
- Boarding Point: ISBT Kashmiri Gate, Delhi
- Bus Type: HRTC Ordinary / Himgaurav Bus
- Cost: ₹700 – ₹900
- Travel Time: 12–13 hours (Overnight bus)
- Tip: Take a night bus so you save on one night’s stay.
From Bhuntar:
- Take a local bus to Kasol – ₹50, 1.5 hours.
🏕 Stay Options in Budget
Himachal’s backpacking circuit is full of budget hostels, guesthouses, and homestays that cost between ₹300–₹500 per night if you book wisely.
| Destination | Stay Type | Cost/Night | Recommended Areas |
| Kasol | Hostel Bed / Dorm | ₹400 | Near Kasol market or Chalal trek path |
| Tosh | Guesthouse / Homestay | ₹300–₹400 | Close to main village |
| Manali | Backpacker Hostel | ₹450 | Old Manali or near Mall Road |
🍛 Budget Food Options
Himachal is a foodie’s paradise, even for budget travelers. Cafes in Kasol and Manali can be expensive, but if you mix them with local dhabas and thalis, you’ll stay well within budget.
Average Meal Costs:
- Local Dhabas: ₹80–₹120 (Veg Thali, Rajma Chawal, Paratha)
- Cafes: ₹200–₹300 (Pasta, Pizza, Momos, Maggi)
- Street Food: ₹30–₹50 (Samosa, Bread Omelette, Pakoras)
Pro Tip: Carry snacks like biscuits and dry fruits for treks to save money and avoid overpaying in remote spots.
🗓 6-Day Itinerary Under ₹7,000
Day 0: Overnight Bus to Bhuntar
- Take an HRTC night bus from Delhi ISBT Kashmiri Gate to Bhuntar.
- Cost: ₹800
- Overnight journey saves accommodation cost.
Day 1: Arrive in Kasol
- From Bhuntar, take a local bus to Kasol (₹50).
- Check into a budget hostel (₹400/night).
- Explore Kasol market, riverside walk, and chill at a local café.
- Dinner at a dhaba (₹100–₹150).
Day’s Spend: ₹550 (stay + food + transport)
Day 2: Kasol & Chalal
- Breakfast: ₹60–₹80 at a local shop.
- Take the short trek to Chalal village (free activity).
- Spend the day riverside or exploring small cafes.
- Lunch: ₹120, Dinner: ₹150.
Stay in Kasol: ₹400
Day’s Spend: ₹730
Day 3: Kasol to Tosh
- Breakfast in Kasol: ₹70.
- Take a bus to Barshaini (₹50), then trek to Tosh (40–50 min) or hire a shared cab (₹50–₹70).
- Stay in a guesthouse in Tosh (₹350/night).
- Explore the village and nearby waterfalls.
- Meals: ₹300 (combined for lunch & dinner).
Day’s Spend: ₹770
Day 4: Tosh to Manali
- Breakfast in Tosh: ₹70.
- Trek back to Barshaini, bus to Bhuntar (₹80), then bus to Manali (₹150).
- Check into a hostel in Old Manali (₹450/night).
- Explore cafes, Manu Temple, and riverside.
- Dinner: ₹150.
Day’s Spend: ₹900
Day 5: Manali Sightseeing
- Breakfast: ₹80.
- Visit Hadimba Temple, Mall Road, and if budget allows, hire a shared cab to Solang Valley (₹300–₹350 per person).
- Lunch: ₹150, Dinner: ₹150.
Stay in Manali: ₹450
Day’s Spend: ₹1,100 (with Solang) / ₹800 (without Solang)
Day 6: Return to Delhi
- Breakfast in Manali: ₹70.
- Take an HRTC bus from Manali to Delhi (₹1,000 ordinary / ₹1,300 Volvo).
- Meals on the way: ₹200.
Day’s Spend: ₹1,200 (ordinary) / ₹1,500 (Volvo)
💰 Total Budget Breakdown (₹7,000 Plan)
| Expense Head | Cost (₹) |
| Delhi–Bhuntar Bus | 800 |
| Local Buses / Shared Cabs | 500 |
| Stay (5 Nights) | 2,000 |
| Food (6 Days) | 1,500 |
| Sightseeing & Entry | 500 |
| Manali–Delhi Bus | 1,000 |
| Total | 6,300 |
You still have ₹700 extra for snacks, small shopping, or emergency.
🚏 Detailed Bus Route
Delhi → Bhuntar
- ISBT Kashmiri Gate → Bhuntar Bus Stand (HRTC / Himgaurav / Punjab Roadways)
- Overnight bus (12–13 hrs)
- Fare: ₹800 ordinary, ₹1,000–₹1,200 semi-deluxe
Bhuntar → Kasol
- Bhuntar Bus Stand → Kasol Market
- Local bus every 30–40 mins, Fare: ₹50
- Time: 1.5 hrs
Kasol → Barshaini → Tosh
- Kasol → Barshaini: Local bus ₹50 (1 hr)
- Barshaini → Tosh: Trek (40–50 min, free) or shared cab ₹50–₹70
Tosh → Manali
- Trek down to Barshaini
- Barshaini → Bhuntar (₹80, 2 hrs)
- Bhuntar → Manali (₹150, 3 hrs)
Manali → Delhi
- Manali Bus Stand → Delhi ISBT
- Ordinary: ₹1,000, Semi Deluxe: ₹1,200, Volvo: ₹1,300–₹1,500
🧳 Budget Travel Hacks
- Travel Overnight – Save money on stay and reach fresh in the morning.
- Stay in Hostels – Backpacker hostels are cheaper, social, and often include Wi-Fi.
- Eat Local – Alternate between dhabas and cafes to keep food costs low.
- Book Buses Early – HRTC online booking ensures cheap fares and guaranteed seats.
- Walk & Trek – Many attractions are close by; walking saves transport costs and offers better views.
- Travel Off-Season – Avoid summer vacations and Christmas-New Year weeks to save on stay.
🏔 Final Thoughts
Exploring Kasol, Tosh, and Manali on a ₹7,000 budget is not just possible — it’s one of the most rewarding travel experiences you can have. You’ll wake up to fresh mountain air, sip chai by the Parvati River, wander through apple orchards, and chat with fellow travelers from around the world, all without emptying your wallet.
So pack your warm clothes, book that HRTC ticket, and get ready to experience Himachal in its purest, most budget-friendly form.
