A Budget Trip to Manali

Manali has been considered one of the major holiday destinations for people of any generation. Whether it’s a honeymoon or a college trip saga, Manali never disappoints! This beautiful place always provides the most breathtaking locations on a budget.

Yes, Manali is one of those cities which can be enjoyed even if you don’t have a heavy bank balance! Manali is a major tourist attraction as it is one of the most budget-friendly places in India. Here are some points you need to consider if you wish to plan a trip to this top-rated city of Himachal Pradesh.

1. Volvo Bus: Best travel option for Delhi to Manali 

If you want to experience the serene beauty of nature while traveling from Delhi to Manali, then the best traveling option is by bus. Traveling by bus is the most economical medium of transportation as the bus fare is comparatively cheaper than traveling by airplane or by car. If you are a solo traveler, then you need to take the experience of a bus from Delhi to Manali in order to make your journey a little more exciting. 

Volvo Bus: Amenities and Expenses

As per buses are concerned, Volvo Bus is the perfect option for traveling from Delhi to Manali as it provides the best amenities while providing the most affordable prices. Volvo Bus is known to provide the best possible facilities such as a charging point, blanket and pillow, water bottles, CCTV, emergency contact number, GPS bus tracker, and also Movies for entertainment purposes.

The minimum bus fare from Delhi to Manali is about rupees 530 and can go up to rupees 1899 according to the luxury you pick. You can now book your bus on popular online platforms such as MakeMyTrip, Zinbus, Goibibo, Yatra.com, and Redbus. These bus booking platforms provide the best deals on every booking, so you can enjoy every second of your journey.

Delhi to Manali distance

The total time taken by the Volvo AC bus from Delhi to Manali is about 13 hours and 52 minutes.

Popular Bus operators for Delhi to Manali 

Popular bus operators working for the Delhi to Manali bus route are Reo India Travels Pvt. Ltd, Himachal Volvo Bus Service, City Land Travels, Expresso, Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC), Laxmi holidays, Holiday Appeal, Shubham Holiday, Himalayan Nomad, Royal safari India Travels, Zinbus, Subh Yatri Holidays, Himgiri Adventure Tour, Haridas holidays, Himachal Travels Height, MAHADEV TRAVELS, Rao Travel Heights, Swagatam Holiday, and many others. 

2. Accommodation

Manali is the best option if you traveling solo. The minimum hotel expense will be INR 1800 and can go up to Rs.2500 per person for about 3-5 nights. Talking about couples, two bunk beds can cost about Rs. 3600 to Rs. 5000 for five days while the cost of a private room is about Rs. 4000 – Rs. 5000. If you are traveling in a group, then staying in a hostel would be a better option than staying in the hotel.

In this situation, booking a private room would be a better option. One of the most affordable hotels in Manali includes Zostel Manali, Hotel’s Greenfields, Moksha stays, Jagatsukh cottage, and YOLO Backpackers Hostel. 

3. For local traveling

You can rent a motorcycle instead of booking a private cab for local mobility. The minimum cost of rental bikes is around Rs. 600 and can go up to 1500 per day. The private taxi will cost you around Rs. 1500 and can go up to 2500 per day. You can also pick a shared rickshaw or local bus if you are worried about going out of your budget. 

Places for budget-friendly experience

Here is a list of popular places in Manali that provide the best experience that can fit any budget: 

  • The Jogini Falls

This serene waterfall can be seen free of cost, so you can enjoy the waterfall without worrying about your budget. The Jogini Falls will surely calm your anxious mind as it provides the most heart-melting and peaceful views. You can click the most insta-worthy pictures, so make sure to carry your cameras with you. 

  • Vashisht Temple and Hot Springs

Vashisht Temple is located in old Manali and it is known to have a sacred hot water spring that has healing properties. You are required to deposit your footwear at the entry gate with the charge of rupees 5 per shore or sandal.

  • Temple of Hidimba

The Temple of Hidimba is one of the most popular prehistoric cave temples and is located in old Manali in Dhungiri Forest. This temple is dedicated to the wife of Bhima, Hidimbi Devi. The temple has no entry fee, so you can visit this temple without fussing over budget. 

  • The Solang Valley

The Solang Valley is the perfect holiday destination for all the adventure lovers out there. You can enjoy paragliding in summer and skiing in winter. The cost of cable ropeway, snow scooter, and zorbing activities is Rs. 500 per person for each adventure activity which is quite an affordable deal, considering the thrilling adventure these daring activities are known to provide. A bus is a better option to travel to the Solang Valley. 

  • Rohtang Pass

The Rohtang Pass is the highest point on the Manali-Keylong road and it is known to provide the most terrific views. This is the first pass from Manali to Ladakh. November is one of the most exquisite places in Manali that provides the most breathtaking views of the snow-capped mountains on a budget. Kindly note that the pass is closed every year from December to April, so plan your trip accordingly. 

  • The Naggar Castle

The Naggar Castle stands in the old Manali and is a major architectural brilliance. This ancient structure serves the most amazing views of The Kullu Valley. The structure also embodies an art gallery that showcases some of the top paintings by Nicholas Roerich. The entry fee is Rs. 15 per person, so you can capture the most stunningly awesome views without any problem. 

  • The Mall Road 

If you want to browse through the most budget-friendly options to satisfy your shopping conventions, then don’t forget to stop by Mall Road. This place provides the most affordable souvenirs, woolen jackets, sweaters, pullovers, shawls, blankets, gloves, caps, and many more for your loved ones.

This is the perfect place to shop for the original Pashmina shawls for your people. The popular Adarsh Restaurant will provide you with several delicious Indian cuisines to make your trip worth it. They are famous for their six-flavored ice cream and trout fish.