Budget Trip to Manali from Delhi with Shimla & Mcleodganj

There's something magical about packing your bags, leaving behind the chaos of Delhi, and heading toward the Himalayas—especially when you know it won't cost you a fortune. That's exactly what we did. With a tight budget, a shared playlist, and hearts full of wanderlust, we set off on an 8-day journey through Shimla, Manali, and Mcleodganj. Here's how it unfolded.

Day 1: Delhi to Shimla - The Getaway Begins

We arrived in Delhi early in the morning, groggy but excited. A private taxi was waiting to take us straight to Shimla, and the 8-hour drive felt less like a journey and more like a slow transition into peace. As the roads started to wind through pine forests and the air turned crisp, we knew we were finally escaping the city noise. By evening, we reached Shimla and settled into a cozy little hotel just a short walk from Mall Road. It was simple, affordable, and just right for travelers like us.

Day 2: Shimla Explorations - Colonial Charm

The next morning, we woke up to birdsong and the scent of deodar trees. Our Shimla sightseeing kicked off with a visit to the famous Jakhoo Temple (and its cheeky monkeys), followed by a fun ride to Kufri. We wandered through The Ridge, admired the colonial-era Christ Church, and even dropped by the Himachal State Museum. As the sun dipped, we found ourselves sipping hot coffee on Mall Road, watching the town glow in twilight. The vibe? Calm, content, and deeply refreshing.

The Himalayas don't just offer views; they offer perspective - a reminder that some things in life are both simple and magnificent.

Day 3: On the Road to Manali - Scenic Transitions

On Day 3, we hit the road again—this time toward Manali. The 7-hour drive was dotted with apple orchards and river views, and a short stop in Kullu gave us time to stretch our legs and shop for local woollens. As we got closer to Manali, the air grew colder, the landscapes grander. That night, we tucked into warm thalis and snuggled into our rooms, excited for the next day's adventure.

Day 4: Manali Magic - Temples and Trails

Manali greeted us with snow-capped peaks and a touch of magic. We spent our day exploring its charming corners—starting with the sacred Hadimba Devi Temple and then hiking to the quiet Manu Temple nestled among tall pines. A walk through Old Manali felt like stepping into a postcard, with quirky cafés, handmade souvenirs, and the sound of the river as background music. We also managed a short trek to Jogini Falls, which gave us just the right dose of thrill and fresh mountain air.

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Day 5: Snow Adventures - Solang Valley and Beyond

Day 5 was all about chasing snow and adrenaline. We headed to Solang Valley early in the morning, tried our luck with paragliding (one of us chickened out!), and even drove through the jaw-dropping Atal Tunnel to reach Sissu in Lahaul Valley. Surrounded by snowy mountains and stillness, it felt like time had slowed down. Later, we returned to Manali and treated ourselves to local momos and hot chocolate by Mall Road.

Day 6: Journey to Mcleodganj - Spiritual Sojourn

Next, it was time for a shift in scenery and energy. On Day 6, we left for Mcleodganj—a 7-hour drive that included a peaceful stop at the ancient Baijnath Temple. Arriving in the evening, we checked into a budget guesthouse nestled between Dharamkot and Bhagsu. The Tibetan prayer flags fluttering in the breeze welcomed us into this spiritual hillside town. We strolled through the quiet streets, picked up a few handmade souvenirs, and watched the sunset fade behind the hills.

Day 7: Mcleodganj's Embrace - Waterfalls and Temples

Our final full day was spent soaking in Mcleodganj's calm. We visited the Bhagsunag Waterfall, walked around the serene Dal Lake, and paid our respects at the Dalai Lama Temple. The Church of St. John in the Wilderness, surrounded by tall deodar trees, added a poetic end to our mountain story. As evening came, we packed up, grabbed some warm thukpa for the road, and boarded our overnight bus back to Delhi.

A budget trip doesn't mean compromising on experiences - sometimes the most meaningful moments come from simple pleasures like a hot cup of chai overlooking endless mountain ranges.

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Day 8: Return to Delhi - Hearts Full

We reached the capital just as the city was waking up, hearts full, wallets not too empty, and minds already planning the next trip.