Planning a budget trip to Manali from Delhi under ₹10,000? Then this guide will help you plan the perfect low-cost Himalayan getaway.
I recently completed a 4-day solo trip to Manali and managed everything within just ₹9,847 — including travel, stay, food, and local sightseeing. With the right planning, you can easily explore Manali’s cafés, waterfalls, markets, Solang Valley, and even Rohtang Pass without overspending.
In this 2026 Manali Budget Travel Guide, you’ll find:
- Cheapest transport options from Delhi to Manali
- Budget stays in Old Manali under ₹700/night
- Cost-effective ways to visit Solang Valley & Rohtang Pass
- Vashisht hot springs tips
- A complete 4-day itinerary with timings and expenses
- Insider hacks to save money on food, transport, and activities
Whether you’re a solo traveler, traveling with friends, or planning a quick escape from Delhi NCR, this guide will help you enjoy Manali without crossing the ₹10,000 mark.
Total Distance: ~540 km | Travel Time: ~14 hours | Best Time: Oct–Mar
Let’s dive into the complete trip plan!
Table of Contents
Budget Overview
A 4-day Manali trip from Delhi can easily be done under ₹10,000 if you choose budget stays, use public transport, and plan activities smartly. During my trip, I spent a total of ₹9,847, including Volvo bus tickets, accommodation, food, local sightseeing, and even a trip to Solang Valley.
Below is the complete cost breakdown to help you plan your own affordable Manali trip.“Download HRTC Bus Schedule PDF”
Transport Guide: Delhi → Manali (Best & Cheapest Options)
Planning a budget trip to Manali from Delhi becomes much easier when you know all the affordable transport choices. Here’s a complete guide to the cheapest ways to travel from Delhi to Manali so you can pick an option that fits your timeline, comfort, and pocket.
1.Volvo Bus Options (Best for Budget)
For most travelers planning a Delhi to Manali budget trip, overnight buses are the safest and most convenient choice. Government HRTC and private operators run daily Volvo and non-AC buses from Kashmiri Gate, RK Ashram, and Majnu ka Tila.
- Volvo AC Fare: ₹1,500–₹1,700 one way
- Ordinary HRTC Buses: ₹600–₹900 one way (cheapest way to reach Manali from Delhi)
- Travel Time: 12–14 hours
For my own budget trip to Manali from Delhi under ₹10,000, I booked an HRTC Volvo night bus 10–15 days in advance on redBus/MakeMyTrip/Goibibo. Early booking keeps the cost low and gives better seat options.“Book HRTC Volvo tickets on RedBus”
2.Train + Bus Combo
If your goal is to make your Manali trip cost even lower, you can combine a train and a local bus — the absolute cheapest route.
Step 1: Take a train from Delhi to Chandigarh/Pathankot (lowest fares if booked early IRCTC).
Step 2: From there, take a state transport bus to Manali.
This route can bring down the total Delhi to Manali travel cost, but takes 16–18 hours and requires more changes. Perfect for backpackers and slow travelers.
3.Self-Drive/Carpool Options (Best for Groups)
If you’re traveling with friends, self-drive or carpooling can make your Manali budget trip flexible and enjoyable.
- Distance: 500–540 km
- Travel Time: 10–12 hours
- Cab (One-Way): ₹4,900–₹6,000
- Carpool: ₹900–₹1,500 per seat
For solo travelers sticking to a Manali under ₹10,000 budget, buses remain the best. But for 3–4 friends splitting fuel and tolls, a road trip becomes cost-effective and scenic.
Day-Wise Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Manali + Explore Old Manali
After your overnight Delhi to Manali budget bus journey, reach Manali early morning and check into a pocket-friendly hostel or homestay in Old Manali (₹500–₹700/night options available).
Spend the day exploring Old Manali’s cute lanes, riverside cafés, wooden houses, relaxed backpacker vibes, and local markets. Since this is the start of your budget trip to Manali from Delhi, keep Day 1 slow, free, and exploration-focused. This helps you understand local prices, avoid unnecessary spending, and settle into the Himalayan pace.
Best free/low-cost activities:
- Walk by the Manalsu river
- Visit Old Manali Market
- Café hopping (tea/coffee budget-friendly)
- Sunset viewpoint near the bridge
This day sets the tone for a relaxed and affordable Manali trip.
Day 2: Solang Valley + Optional Rohtang Pass Adventure
Day 2 covers the classic hillside attractions without overspending. Start early and take a shared jeep/cab to Solang Valley (most affordable option in 2026). Solang is known for snow activities in winter and lush meadows in summer.
If your budget allows, choose ONE paid activity like:
- Basic paragliding
- ATV ride
- Zipline or ropeway
Rest of the time, enjoy the landscapes, photography, and short hikes — all free.
If the weather and permits are favourable, you can also extend your trip to Rohtang Pass. Just remember:
- Shared cab = affordable
- Private cab = expensive
- Don’t overspend — keep the total Manali trip under ₹10,000
Pro Tip: Book Rohtang Permits Online in advance to avoid last-minute trouble.
Day 3: Vashisht Temple + Hidimba Devi Temple + Mall Road
This day is designed to keep your Manali budget travel cost extremely low. Start your morning with a short auto/shared ride to Vashisht Temple and the natural hot springs — almost free and a peaceful, local experience.
Later, visit the iconic Hidimba Devi Temple, surrounded by tall deodar forests. It’s one of the most photogenic locations in any 4-day Manali itinerary.
By evening, head to Mall Road, explore street food, window shopping, and relax with mountain views — all without spending much.
Budget-friendly highlights:
- Free temple visits
- Hot springs experience
- Low-cost food stalls
- Evening walk on Mall Road
Day 4: Explore Naggar + Return Journey to Delhi
On the final day of your budget trip to Manali from Delhi, check out from your stay, keep your bags safely stored, and take a bus/shared cab to Naggar — a peaceful and artistic town just 20–25 km from Manali.
Visit:
- Naggar Castle
- Roerich Art Gallery
- Local temples
- Valley-view cafés (very reasonable prices)
Naggar is less crowded and perfect for a slow, scenic day without breaking your budget.
Return to Manali in the afternoon, collect your bags, and board your Manali to Delhi night bus, ending your 4-day Manali trip under ₹10,000 with culture, adventure, and chill Himalayan vibes.
If this blog helps you to plan a trip than you must read to explore these destinations in budget Top 10 Budget-Friendly Destinations in India Under ₹10,000
Complete Budget Breakdown Table
“This budget breakdown shows how easily you can plan a complete budget trip to Manali from Delhi under ₹10,000 in 2026. By choosing homestays, shared transportation, and local food options, you can explore Solang Valley, Old Manali, Vashisht, and even Rohtang Pass without overspending.”
Insider Tips & Money-Saving Hacks (2026 Edition)
Planning a budget trip to Manali from Delhi? These insider hacks will help you keep your Manali trip cost low while still enjoying the full Himalayan experience.
1. Book Buses in Advance for Cheapest Travel
Whether you choose HRTC, Himsuta, or private Volvo options, advance booking always gives the best deals. Early booking can reduce your Delhi to Manali budget travel cost by 20–30%.
2. Pick Homestays Instead of Hotels
For a Manali on a budget trip, homestays in Old Manali, Vashisht, and Aleo offer cozy rooms, local hospitality, and prices as low as ₹500–700/night. Perfect for solo travelers and couples.(“Find verified Old Manali homestays“)
3. Use Public Transport & Shared Cabs
Avoid private taxis—shared jeeps and local buses to Solang Valley, Naggar, and Vashisht keep your Manali trip cost under control.
4. Eat at Local Dhabas Instead of Tourist Cafés
Skip expensive riverside cafés for most meals. Local dhabas serve filling veg/non-veg plates starting at ₹80–120. Perfect for a budget Manali itinerary.
5. Prioritize Free or Low-Cost Attractions
Hidimba Temple, Old Manali village walk, Manu Temple, Beas River trails, Jogini waterfall trek—these are scenic, peaceful, and absolutely free.
6. Carry Proper Winter Gear
If you’re traveling between October–March, pack gloves, jackets, thermals, and shoes from home. Renting everything in Manali can easily add ₹300–600/day.
7. Trvel During Shoulder Season
Late September–November and February–March are the best times for a budget travel Manali plan—fewer crowds, cheaper stays, and better bus availability.
Explore More: 10 Offbeat Winter Destinations in India
FAQs (2026 Guide)
1. Is a Manali trip from Delhi possible under ₹10,000?
Yes! With early bus booking, budget homestays, local food, and shared cabs, a budget trip to Manali from Delhi under ₹10,000 is easily possible for 4 days.
2. What is the cheapest way to travel from Delhi to Manali?
The cheapest option is HRTC Ordinary/Volvo buses, costing ₹650–₹1,100 one way. Booking 10–15 days early reduces the price further.
3. What is the best time to visit Manali on a budget?
Shoulder seasons (Sept–Nov & Feb–Mar) are best. Prices for stays, food, and taxis are lower, making it perfect for Delhi to Manali budget travel.
4. How much money is enough for a 4-day budget Manali trip?
₹8,000–₹10,000 is enough for transport, food, stay, and local sightseeing if you follow a budget Manali itinerary with shared transport and homestays.
5. Are homestays cheaper than hotels in Manali?
Yes! Homestays in Old Manali and Vashisht start at ₹500–₹700 per night, making them ideal for Manali on a budget.
6. How can I save money on sightseeing in Manali?
Choose free attractions like Hidimba Temple, Old Manali walk, Beas River trail, and Jogini trek. For paid places like Solang Valley, choose shared cabs.
7. Is Rohtang Pass expensive to visit?
Permits cost only ₹600, but taxi charges are high. For a budget trip, join a shared jeep from Manali to save 60–70%.
8. Is Manali safe for solo travelers on a budget?
Yes, Manali is considered safe for solo travelers (men & women) if you stay in popular areas like Old Manali, Mall Road, and Vashisht.
9. How much do meals cost in Manali?
At local dhabas, meals cost ₹80–₹150, making it easy to manage the total Manali trip cost under budget.
10. Can couples do a budget trip to Manali from Delhi?
Absolutely! Couples can stay in budget homestays, explore free spots, and use shared cabs to keep the total cost around ₹12,000–₹14,000 for two.