Himachal Pradesh, cradled by the Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges, is India’s classic mountain escape—monasteries humming with prayer wheels, cedar forests, and rivers that chisel deep valleys. British-era hill stations meet Tibetan exile culture here, and every bend in the road seems to reveal a new ridge to climb. For hikers on a budget with a taste for adventure, it’s a dream.

In this 7-day itinerary, you’ll split time between Dharamshala/McLeod Ganj and Manali—two bases perfect for day treks, tea-house cafés, and affordable adventure. Expect the Triund trek above McLeod Ganj and the high-alpine Bhrigu Lake trail near Manali, plus Solang Valley’s seasonal thrills and river walks along the Beas.

Practical notes: Weather swings quickly at altitude—layers, rain shells, and proper footwear are essential. Overnight camping at Triund is restricted; day trekking is the norm. Cash is handy in small villages; ATMs sit in the main towns. Try local specialties like siddu (steamed bun), thukpa (noodle soup), momos, and Kullu trout.

Dharamshala & McLeod Ganj

Sage-green tea gardens roll into deodar forests as the Dhauladhar rise sharply above McLeod Ganj. This is the seat-in-exile of the Dalai Lama, where Tibetan bakeries perfume the lanes and prayer flags cross rooftops like bunting. It’s also the launchpad for the Triund trek—Himachal’s iconic ridge walk.

Top sights include the Tsuglagkhang Complex (Dalai Lama Temple), Norbulingka Institute’s artisans, and Bhagsu Waterfall. Food-wise, cafés shine: Woeser Bakery’s carrot cake, Illiterati’s book-lined views, Tibet Kitchen’s momos, and Dharamkot’s Trek and Dine for post-hike platters.

• Stay (budget to mid-range): Search stays on VRBO Dharamshala or Hotels.com Dharamshala. Look in McLeod Ganj or Dharamkot for quick trail access.
• Eat & drink: Illiterati (book café, espresso and pastas), Tibet Kitchen (thukpa, shapta), Woeser Bakery (hand-whipped cappuccino, carrot cake), Common Grounds (Tibetan breakfast plates), Nick’s Italian (thin-crust pizza, terrace views), Seed Café (vegan-friendly bowls).
• How to get here: Fly to Dharamshala (DHM) via Delhi—search fares on Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com. Or take an overnight train to Pathankot and connect by bus/taxi; check options on Trip.com Trains.

Day 1: Arrive in Dharamshala (McLeod Ganj orientation)

Morning: Travel in. If arriving via Pathankot, budget travelers can hop an HRTC bus (approx ₹200–350, 3–4 hours) to McLeod Ganj; taxis cost more but are faster.

Afternoon: Stretch your legs on an easy loop: Tsuglagkhang (Dalai Lama Temple), the prayer wheels, and a short walk to Kalachakra Temple. Snack at Woeser Bakery—try the carrot cake and a cappuccino.

Evening: Dinner at Tibet Kitchen: steamed beef or veg momos, thenthuk, and butter tea. If you’ve energy, stroll to Bhagsu market for woolens and handmade soaps.

Day 2: Triund Trek (signature ridge hike)

Morning: Start early (7–8 am) from Dharamkot or Gallu Devi Temple. The uphill trail passes pine and rhododendron, with tea stalls at intervals. Expect 4–6 hours round-trip to the ridge for fast hikers; 6–8 hours at a moderate pace. Carry 2 liters of water and a rain layer.

Afternoon: Lunch at a tea stall near the top—simple maggi, parathas, chai. Take in sweeping views of the Dhauladhar. There’s usually a small forest entry/eco-fee (~₹100–200). Note: Overnight camping on Triund ridge is restricted; plan a day hike.

Evening: Back in McLeod Ganj, reward yourself at Illiterati: pumpkin soup, pesto pasta, and apple crumble. Turn in early.

Day 3: Culture or Adrenaline—your choice

Morning (Option A – Culture): Head to Norbulingka Institute to see thangka painting and woodcarving workshops. Café Norling’s momos are solid and affordable.

Afternoon: Ride out to Kangra Fort (sunset is sublime over the valley). On the way, stop at the tea gardens near Kunal Pathri.

Evening: Dinner at Common Grounds: Tibetan breakfast plates, sautéed greens, and ginger-lemon-honey tea. OR—

Morning to Evening (Option B – Adventure Day Trip): Bir Billing paragliding (2.5–3 hours each way by road). Tandem flights are typically ₹3,200–₹4,500 including transfers; thermals are best late morning. Return to McLeod Ganj for late dinner at Nick’s Italian Kitchen (lasagna, chocolate brownie).

Optional add-ons in Delhi (pre/post trip): If you route through the capital and have a spare day, consider these highly rated experiences:

• Taj Mahal Day Tour from Delhi by Superfast Train

  

• The Great Indian Food Tour: Old Delhi Food and Heritage Walk

  

• Old & New Delhi City Tour – Half or Full Day Options

  

Manali

Manali is a valley town stitched together by orchards, wooden houses, and the rush of the Beas River. Old Manali’s café culture fuels hikers and bikers, while Hadimba Devi Temple sits quiet among towering cedars. Above, Solang Valley and the Atal Tunnel lead to year-round snowfields and meadow walks.

From quick hikes like Jogini Waterfall to big alpine days at Bhrigu Lake (seasonal), Manali keeps adventure affordable. Cool evenings call for riverfront cafés—think wood-fired pizza at Café 1947 or Johnson’s trout with mountain herbs.

• Stay (budget to mid-range): Browse VRBO Manali or Hotels.com Manali. For a solid, social, budget pick: Zostel Manali (bunks and privates in Old Manali).
• Eat & drink: Café 1947 (riverside, gnocchi and pizza), Johnson’s Café (Kullu trout), Dylan’s Toasted & Roasted (hand-poured coffee, cookies), The Lazy Dog (burgers, live music), Drifters’ Café (hearty breakfasts), Renaissance (Israeli plates).
• Getting there from Dharamshala: Morning HRTC/Volvo bus via Palampur–Mandi (7–9 hrs, ~₹900–1,400). Shared taxis cost more; buses are the budget sweet spot.

Day 4: Dharamshala → Manali, Old Manali stroll

Morning: Depart McLeod Ganj by bus for Manali. Pack snacks (bananas, peanuts) and a refillable bottle.

Afternoon: Check in near Old Manali bridge. Walk to Hadimba Devi Temple (16th-century wooden shrine) and Manu Temple overlooking the village.

Evening: Dinner at Café 1947 by the river—Margherita pizza and masala fries won’t break the bank. For dessert, head to Dylan’s Toasted & Roasted for a mocha and fresh cookies.

Day 5: Solang Valley and Atal Tunnel

Morning: Public bus or shared cab to Solang (13 km; 30–45 min). Ride the gondola (ticket often ~₹600–800) for valley views. Short hike toward Anjani Mahadev (waterfall shrine; microspikes helpful in winter).

Afternoon: If weather allows, continue through the Atal Tunnel to Sissu for glacier vistas and a walk to Sissu Waterfall. Seasonal activities in Solang include ziplines and ATVs (typical ₹500–1,500). Keep it budget by picking one highlight.

Evening: Return to Manali. Simple dinner at Drifters’ Café (omelets, soups) or The Lazy Dog’s daily specials. If you prefer a quiet soak, Vashisht village’s hot water temple complex sees periodic maintenance—check local status before planning a visit.

Day 6: Bhrigu Lake day hike (seasonal) or Jogini Waterfall

Morning: For fit hikers May–Oct (conditions vary), take a cab to Gulaba (approx 22 km). The Bhrigu Lake trail climbs through meadows to a high-alpine tarn with Pir Panjal views (long day: 10–12 miles/16–20 km round-trip; 2,400–3,000 ft/750–900 m gain). A local guide is recommended; carry layers, sun protection, and 2–3 liters of water.

Afternoon: Descend carefully—weather can turn fast. If snow blocks the lake early season, pivot to Lama Dugh meadows (from Old Manali) or the scenic Jogini Waterfall trail (4–6 km round-trip) starting near Vashisht.

Evening: Celebrate with trout at Johnson’s Café (budget-friendly set meals at lunch; ask about daily catch). Coffee nightcap at Dylan’s or a ginger-lemon-honey tea back at your stay.

Day 7: River time, Kullu rafting (seasonal), and depart

Morning: Easy riverside walk along the Beas. If in season (generally Oct–Jun, conditions permitting), head down to Babeli or Pirdi for budget-friendly rafting (common rates ₹600–1,400 per person for short stretches). Non-swimmers are usually accommodated with helmets and PFDs.

Afternoon: Souvenir hunt in Old Manali (hand-knit beanies, apple jams). Depart by afternoon bus to Delhi (12–14 hrs; ₹1,200–2,000) or fly from Kullu–Bhuntar to Delhi if seats are available—search on Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com.

Evening: Final feast at Renaissance (hummus, shakshuka) or a simple thali from a dhaba near the bus stand—fuel for the road.

Budget tips for a 28/100 spend:

• Use HRTC/Volvo buses for intercity moves; they’re safe and economical.
• Base in Old Manali or Dharamkot for walkable access to cafés and trailheads, reducing taxis.
• Eat local—Tibetan soups, veg thalis, parathas—nutritious and inexpensive.
• Pick one paid adventure (gondola, rafting, or paragliding) and spend the rest of your time on free hikes and temples.
• Book hostels or simple guesthouses via Hotels.com Dharamshala, Hotels.com Manali, or VRBO ahead of weekends.

Optional Shimla add-on (if you extend): For colonial architecture and forest walks, Shimla pairs well with this route. Browse stays or consider a splurge night at Wildflower Hall, An Oberoi Resort or family-friendly Club Mahindra Mashobra.

Getting in and out (quick planner): Fly to Dharamshala (DHM) or Kullu–Bhuntar (KUU) via Delhi—compare on Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com. Train travelers can target Pathankot for Dharamshala or Chandigarh/Kalka for Shimla—search Trip.com Trains. Buses link all hill towns; book a morning departure for smoother mountain roads.

Safety & seasons: Late Sep–Nov and Apr–Jun offer reliable hiking weather. Monsoon (Jul–Aug) brings leeches and landslides—check trail/road conditions. Winter snow alters access; microspikes and trekking poles help. Always pack layers, headlamp, and a basic first-aid kit.

In a week you’ll taste the best of Himachal’s hiking life: Triund’s ridge-line panorama, Solang’s broad valley, and Bhrigu’s high-meadow amphitheater. With budget-smart buses, cozy cafés, and a few strategic splurges, this adventure stays light on the wallet and heavy on mountain memories.