A trip to Himachal Pradesh in the monsoon sounds exciting – Cloudy skies, lush greenery and chai with mountains all around. It can get expensive if you don’t keep a few things in mind.
So, I recently did a 7-day trip to Himachal Pradesh – covering Dharamshala, Mcleodganj and Bir billing. I saved Approximately ₹ 10,000 without sacrificing comfort, food, or experience.
Let’s see how I did it – without doing any extra effort or cutting corners.
Off-Season = Cheaper Stays (Saved ₹3,000)
I stayed in two homestays and one hostel, and all three gave me discounts due to off-season. Not many people travel during the Monsoon, so many hotels offer up to 50% off per night.
A homestay in Dharamkot that usually charges ₹1500 per night during peak season gave me a good room for ₹900 – they were happy that at least a few people showed up.
Tip: Try to book directly Via WhatsApp or a Phone call – there is much better chance of getting a good discount or deal.
2. Took Local Buses Instead of Private Cabs(Saved ₹2,000)
I used Public HRTC buses to travel from Dharamshala to McLeodganj and then from McLeodganj to Bir Billing. This saved me a lot of money and everyone should try public transport atleast once, especially in Himachal Pradesh – you get to enjoy amazing mountain views, rain tapping on windows.
The whole experience cost me around ₹400. A cab for the same route would have cost between ₹2200 and ₹2500.
3. Chose local restaurants over the trendy cafés(Saved ₹1,500)
I usually enjoy visiting cafes with beautiful interiors, but I skipped them during this trip. Instead, i ate at local dhabas, restaurant and even the homestay’s kitchen – the food was better, the prices were lower, and the experience felt far more authentic.
Tip: Ask locals where they eat. That’s where the real taste and savings are.
4. Free & Low-Cost Experiences(Saved ₹2,500)
So, I didn’t spend a single rupee on sightseeing tours. Instead, I trekked to Triund Point, then visited Bhagsu Waterfall on the way back, relaxed at Naddi Sunset Point, explored local monasteries and wandered through vibrant local markets.
Tip: During the monsoon, don’t over-plan — just walk, observe, and absorb the experience.
5. Carried All My Essentials(Saved ₹1,000)
Because of past mistakes during monsoon travel, I packed smart this time. Here’s what I carried:
- A raincoat, not an umbrella
- Waterproof shoes
- Power bank
- Ziplock bags for electronics
- First-aid kit
Packing smart saved me from spending on overpriced last-minute items at tourist shops mid-trip.
Total Estimated Savings: ₹10,000+
| Category | Amount Saved |
| Accommodation | ₹3,000 |
| Transport | ₹2,000 |
| Food | ₹1,500 |
| Experiences | ₹2,500 |
| Emergency Gear | ₹1,000 |
| Total | ₹10,000 |
Monsoon in Himachal Pradesh feels like stepping into a different world – but it takes good planning and smart spending to truly enjoy it. Traveling during the off-season taught me a lot : gained new experiences, saw the world from a different perspective, enjoyed stunning views without spending much.
Read More:
- Packing for a Monsoon Trip? Don’t Forget These 12 Essentials
- Triund Trek – A Perfect Getaway for Every Traveler
For more budget travel tips, hacks, and personal experiences, check out TopTravelJourneys.com — your travel buddy in every season.