3-Day Budget Himachal Pradesh Itinerary from Night of Day 0 to Morning of Day 4

Day 0: Travel to Manali

Starting point to Manali, India on May 20, 2025

10:00PM

Overnight bus/train to Manali

Board an overnight Volvo bus or train from major nearby city to Manali to reach early morning Day 1. This saves accommodation cost the first night.
INR1500, 8h0m
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Day 1: Explore Manali

Manali, Himachal Pradesh, India on May 21, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Cafe 1947

Enjoy a budget-friendly yet cozy breakfast at Cafe 1947 by the river. Try local Himachali dishes and coffee.
INR250, 1h0m

9:30AM

Visit Hadimba Temple

Explore the ancient Hadimba Temple surrounded by cedar forest, an iconic attraction in Manali. Open 7 AM to 6 PM.
INR10, 1h0m

11:00AM

Explore Old Manali and local market

Walk through the charming lanes of Old Manali with handicraft shops and cafes, perfect to buy souvenirs and enjoy street food.
Free, 2h0m

1:00PM

Lunch at Johnson’s Cafe

Have a wholesome Himachali meal or continental food at Johnson’s Cafe, a well-known local spot. Budget friendly and open till 5 PM.
INR400, 1h0m

2:30PM

Visit Solang Valley

Take a short local taxi or bus to Solang Valley for beautiful scenic views and optional adventure activities like paragliding (extra cost).
INR100 for transport, 3h0m

6:00PM

Evening stroll at Mall Road

Relax by visiting Mall Road for evening shopping and snacking. Enjoy local shops and cafes.
Free, 1h0m

7:30PM

Dinner at Gandhi Restaurant

End the day with affordable North Indian dinner at Gandhi Restaurant known for Dal Makhani and Tandoori roti.
INR300, 1h0m
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Day 2: Travel & Explore Dharamshala

Himachal Pradesh, India on May 22, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast in Manali

Quick breakfast at local dhaba to fuel your trip. Typical Himachali paratha with chai.
INR150, 0h45m

8:00AM

Travel to Dharamshala by bus

Catch a state or private bus from Manali to Dharamshala. Journey approximately 7 hours with scenic mountain views.
INR600, 7h0m

3:00PM

Check-in budget hotel in Dharamshala

Settle into well-rated budget accommodation such as Hotel Tibet or similar guesthouses near McLeod Ganj.
INR800, 1h0m

4:00PM

Visit Dalai Lama Temple Complex

Explore the spiritual center of Tibetan Buddhism. Open until 6 PM, free entry.
Free, 1h0m

5:30PM

Explore McLeod Ganj market

Walk through the local market for souvenirs, Tibetan handicrafts and street snacks.
Free, 1h0m

7:00PM

Dinner at Illiterati café

Enjoy international and Tibetan dishes with cozy atmosphere at reasonable prices.
INR400, 1h0m
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Day 3: Discover Dharamshala surroundings

Himachal Pradesh, India on May 23, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel or local café

Have a hearty breakfast including fresh bread, eggs, and tea or coffee.
INR200, 0h45m

9:00AM

Trek to Bhagsu Waterfall and Bhagsunath Temple

Short trek (approx. 1.5 hours) to serene waterfall and historic temple, ideal for nature lovers and spiritual seekers.
Free, 3h0m

12:30PM

Lunch at Nick’s Italian Kitchen

Savor budget Italian and fast food in a friendly atmosphere, known for wood-fired pizzas.
INR400, 1h0m

2:00PM

Visit War Memorial and Norbulingka Institute

Visit the peaceful War Memorial honoring soldiers, and explore the Norbulingka Institute preserving Tibetan arts, open till 5 PM.
INR100 for Norbulingka, free War Memorial, 2h0m

5:00PM

Relax at Dal Lake

Visit Dal Lake, a scenic place for a calm evening stroll before dinner.
Free, 1h0m

7:00PM

Dinner at Tibet Kitchen

Taste authentic Tibetan momos, thukpa, and more in this affordable local favorite spot.
INR350, 1h0m
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Day 4: Return journey

Dharamshala to Starting Point on May 24, 2025

6:00AM

Early morning departure

Catch an early bus or taxi back to your starting point to complete your trip by late day.
INR1000, 7h0m
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