Curly Tales

I Explored 13 Gorgeous Destinations In Himachal Under ₹35K Including Adventure Activities, Sightseeing, Stay, Meals & More!

Nancy Johri

The ‘Apple State’ is my go-to destination in India whenever I seek solace for my mind and soul. Thinking about my thrilling and scenic trekking experiences in Himachal Pradesh always gives me warmth. Going for various adventure activities in the hill station offered me the much-needed adrenaline rush. This Himalayan region is dotted with monasteries, valleys, mountains, historical sites, mountain passes, lakes, and so much more. Himachal has truly satisfied the wanderlust in me!

Without further ado, let me take you on the enthralling journey wherein I spent ₹35K that included stay, food, adventure activities, shopping, conveyance, and other miscellaneous expenses.

1. Bir Billing

Accommodation: Camping (₹1500 per night) and Hotel Surya Classic (₹,1000 per night)

Paragliding Cost: ₹1,500

When I jumped from a height of 2,400 meters putting every ounce of my trust in the pilot with whom I was attached, sharing the same paraglider, then I realised that walking on the ground is so mainstream. I have taken that leap of faith twice (October of 2015 and 2017), and all I can say is this is something that every adrenaline junkie should include on their bucket list. For both times, I chose Bir Billing, which is known as the Paragliding Capital of India. Apart from being the best adventure destination, the place fulfills your spiritual and romantic appetite as well. The monasteries, cute cafes, and scenic beauty of Bir Billing make it perfect for a weekend escape.

Also read: The Mountain Retreat Camp Near Bir Billing’s Paragliding Site Overlooks The Gorgeous Dhauladhar Ranges

2. Chail

Accommodation: Hotel Oakwood (₹1,500 per night)

I travelled to Chail for majorly one reason—to see the world’s highest cricket ground. The cricket pitch is 2,444 meters above sea level. I also visited Chail Palace that was built in 1891. The gracious mansion is now owned by Himachal Tourism. It features ornate furniture, lush green lawns, and royalty at its best.

3. Chitkul

Accommodation: Zostel (₹1,000 per night)

Chitkul, the last inhabited village near the Indo-China border, is a place straight out of a fairy tale. There are snow-clad mountains, a swift river flowing down, dense-green forests, and cute & colourful houses. I had always seen this kind of heavenly beauty in paintings and wallpapers but the splendour of this village left me awestruck when I saw everything in reality. Moreover, reaching there is in itself an adventure. The Indian roads end in Chitkul, which is situated at a towering altitude of around 11,319 feet above sea level. Located in the Kinnaur district, the Karchham-Chitkul road is one of the most dangerous drives in the world. 

The must-visit places in the village include:

Also read: This Himalayan Hotel Near Shimla Gives You The Feels Of Living In The Clouds

4. Dalhousie

Accommodation: Zostel (₹)700 per night)

I travelled to this dazzling hill station, which is a high-altitude town near the Dhauladhar mountain range. I strolled around the Gandhi Chowk and visited St. John’s Church during the day. In the evening, I went for a small trek in Guniala (a small village) and watched the postcard-perfect sunset. At the hostel, other travellers and I baked cookies together without using an oven. The highlight of my trip was the Dainkund Peak trek. I went for this 10-kilometer long hike that starts from Dainkund, passes the Pholani Devi Temple, and ends in Jot.

5. Kasauli

Accommodation: Rustic Villa (₹2,500 per night)

“Beauty lies in the eye of the beholder” holds true for Kasauli for which, majority of the people think that there is nothing much to see. This cantonment and town located in Solan offered me a lot. It is a paradise for bird watchers, flora lovers, and trekkers. I got to witness beauty at its best while having an ideal and peaceful holiday here. 

My itinerary included the following:

6. Kasol

Accommodation: Pink Floyd (₹2,000 per night)

Also known as ‘Mini Israel, the hamlet is famous for its incredible cafes and the gorgeous view of mountains. I went to The Evergreen Café that serves delicious sandwiches, burgers, fries, and cold coffee amidst verdant mountains. 

After fuelling myself, I started trekking to Tosh, which is a village situated at a height of 7,874 feet, located at the end of Parvati Valley. Tosh Valley trek has been among the most challenging treks for me. The major reason for this was the absence of any trail. I couldn’t see any footprints or a fixed path to follow on the whole route. The mountainous terrain was quite difficult to climb. Moreover, there were thorny bushes and plants that slowed down my speed. 

Also read: Kasol Has A Game Of Thrones Themed Hostel & It Costs Only ₹399 To Stay Here

7. Khajjiar

Khajjiar, popularly known as ‘Mini Switzerland in India’, has a striking resemblance to Switzerland’s topography. Khajjiar Lake is located in a huge grassy landscape and is surrounded by evergreen cedar forest. Adventure activities like paragliding and zorbing are also available there. I enjoyed recreational activities as well as moments of solitude in peace and tranquility.

8. Mandi

This cute town in Himachal Pradesh is dotted with ancient temples, green deodars, and tall pine trees. Its offbeat destinations have the most serene lakes and the greenest hamlets that I had ever seen. Prashar Lake is the major highlight that is located at a distance of 50 kilometers from Mandi. This unique lake has a round, floating island inside it. This floating piece of land moves in all directions in the lake. Nobody knows how deep the lake is as no one is able to determine its depth yet. 

9. McLeod Ganj & Dharamshala 

Accommodation: HosteLaVie (₹299 per night)

Also known as ‘Little Lhasa’, McLeod Ganj is an extremely gorgeous suburb of Dharamshala. The place is blessed with natural splendor. What sets it apart is its strong Tibetan character. Monks attired in bright saffron robes, monasteries at regular intervals, and fluttering prayer flags give the place a peaceful vibe. I enjoyed unwinding and enjoying the abundant serenity here along with visiting the following:

Also read: Tired Of City Life, This Man Quit His High-Paying Job In Delhi & Built A Home In Dharamshala

10. Old Manali

Accommodation: Bonfire Manali (₹500 per night)

Crossing the bridge over the gushing Manalsu River took me to this Himalayan Hippie Village. It has a striking charm with a blend of foreign and Indian aspects. This village is exposed to the comforts of the modern world, but at the same time, it seems as if it is directly from a fairytale. The quaint Old Manali is a complete vibe in itself. I saw some of the cutest cafes and peppy souvenir shops while roaming about its colorful streets. I also visited Nehru Pheasantry—a gigantic patch of nature where all you will listen to is the sound of wind touching the tree leaves.

I visited these cafes to cherish the aura of a typical hippie place:

11. Prashar Lake Trek

Accommodation: Camping & Trekking (₹5,000)

Not much into trekking but willing to go for at least once every year, I volunteered for Tails and Trails that runs on the idea of “Why not trek and camp with your dog?” It organises treks to raise funds for the animal NGOs in Delhi. I was super-excited to go for the Prashar Lake trek because I love dogs, mountains, and camping. Apart from that, I was thrilled to see the mesmerising views of the Dhauladhar, Pir Panjal, and Kinnaur mountain ranges. I, being an architecture-lover, had the added advantage of visiting the local temple of Prashar Rishi that is built next to the lake. 

12. Shimla

Accommodation: Woodville Palace (₹7,000 per night)

I have been to Shimla so many times but this time, the experience was completely different. I stayed at a heritage property, which was the former summer residence of the Raja Rana of Jubbal. I pampered myself with the touch of royalty, vintage ambiance, classic luxury, and first-class hospitality in the lap of the Himalayas.

I visited these places in Shimla: 

Also read: Mashorba Near Shimla Has Become The Coolest New Destination For Vacationers

13. Shoghi

Accommodation: TAG Resorts Oakwood Hamlet (₹6,000 per night)

A tiny town located at an elevation of 5,700 feet, Shoghi is bounded by oak trees and rhododendrons. The place is known for its modest nature walks as well as elaborate trekking trails owing to its forest and terrains. The small suburb of Shimla is also popular for locally made fruit products (juices, jellies, syrups, and pickles). I also went for the enthralling zip-lining.

Let me know if you have any travel queries regarding Himachal Pradesh in the comment section below.

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