Nestled in the Himalayas, Himachal Pradesh is a paradise for trekkers and adventure lovers, offering a wide variety of trails ranging from gentle scenic walks to demanding high-altitude expeditions. The region is adorned with breathtaking landscapes, featuring verdant valleys, snow-clad peaks, picturesque meadows, and pristine glacial lakes. With its stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and tranquil monasteries, Himachal Pradesh guarantees an exhilarating trekking adventure in the heart of unspoiled nature.
With smart planning, trekking in Himachal can be highly budget-friendly. Choosing off-season travel, opting for local homestays or camping, using public transport, and carrying snacks can significantly cut costs. Additionally, trekking in groups helps split expenses, making the experience even more affordable. With its stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and tranquil monasteries,
1. triund Trek (Mcleodganj, Dharamshala)
- Best For: Beginners, solo travelers
- Trek Distance: 9 km (one way)
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Best Time to Visit: March–June, September–November
The Triund Trek is one of the most popular and scenic treks in Himachal Pradesh. It is located near Dharamshala and McLeod Ganj. It is one of the easiest treks for beginners, offering stunning views of the Dhauladhar range and the Kangra Valley.
How to Reach
- Take a local taxi/bus from Dharamshala to Mcleodganj (~₹50-₹100).
- The trek starts from Gallu Devi Temple.
Stay Options
- Camping: ₹300-₹500 per night.
- Gallu Devi Temple Gurudwara: Free stay.
Day-Wise Itinerary
- Day 1: Reach Mcleodganj, trek to Triund (4-5 hours).
- Day 2: Sunrise at Triund, descend, return to Dharamshala.
Food Costs
- Local Dhabas: ₹100-₹150 per meal.
- Carry packed food/snacks.
💰 Total Estimated Cost: ₹2000-₹2500
2. Kareri Lake Trek (Dharamshala)
- Best For: Nature lovers, offbeat trekkers.
- Trek Distance: 13 km (one way).
- Difficulty Level: Moderate.
- Best Time to Visit: April–June, September–November.
Hidden amidst lush green meadows and alpine forests, Kareri Lake is a high-altitude glacial lake. The trek passes through charming villages, gushing streams, and scenic landscapes, making it a peaceful yet adventurous escape from city life.
How to Reach
- Take a local taxi/bus from Dharamshala to Kareri Village end point (~₹200-₹500).
- The trek starts from Kareri Village itself.
Stay Options
- Camping near kareri lake: ₹1000-₹1500 per night. (Assuming you have rented)
- Homestays at Kareri Village: ₹800-₹1200.
Day-Wise Itinerary
- Day 1: Reach Kareri Village, then trek to Triund 13 Km, 4-5 hours one way).
- Day 2: Explore the lake, stay overnight at Kareri Lake.
- Day 3:Come back to Kareri village.
Food Costs
- Local Dhabas: ₹100-₹150 per meal.
- Should Carry packed food/snacks for the trek and stay at Kareri lake.
💰 Total Estimated Cost: ₹3000-₹4000
3. Prashar Lake Trek (Mandi)
- Best For: Beginners, photography lovers
- Trek Distance: 8 km (one way)
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year (Snow trek in winter)
Famous for its floating island, Prashar Lake is a mystical destination surrounded by snow-capped peaks. The easy trek takes you through dense forests, offering stunning panoramic views of the Dhauladhar, Pir Panjal, and Kinnaur mountain ranges.
How to Reach
- Take a local bus/taxi from Mandi to Baggi Village (₹200-₹500).
- Trek to Prashar Lake (3-4 hours).
Stay Options
- Camping near Prashar lake: ₹1000-₹1500 per night. (Assuming you have rented complete camping setup)
- Forest Rest House: ₹500 per night (booking required).
Day-Wise Itinerary
- Day 1: Reach Mandi, trek to Prashar Lake, camp overnight.
- Day 2: Explore the lake, return to Mandi.
Food Costs
- Local dhabas offer food for ₹100-₹150 per meal.
- Should Carry packed food/snacks for the trek and stay nearby the lake.
💰 Total Estimated Cost: ₹3000-₹4000
4. Hatu Peak Trek (Narkanda, Shimla)
- Best For: Weekend getaways, beginners
- Trek Distance: 7 km (one way)
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Best Time to Visit: March–November
A short and scenic trek, Hatu Peak is the highest point in the Shimla district. The trail winds through dense cedar and pine forests, leading to the Hatu Mata Temple, which offers breathtaking view of the Himalayas.
How to Reach
- Take a local bus to Narkanda from Shimla (₹150-₹200).
- Trek to Hatu Peak (3-4 hours).
Stay Options
- Budget homestays in Narkanda: ₹500-₹800 per night.
- Camping near Hatu Peak: ₹300-₹500 per night.
Day-Wise Itinerary
- Day 1: Reach Narkanda, trek to Hatu Peak, explore the temple.
- Day 2: Return to Narkanda, depart for Shimla.
Food Costs
- Dhabas serve food for ₹100-₹150 per meal.
- Should Carry packed food/snacks for the trek and night stay.
💰 Total Estimated Cost: ₹3000-₹4000
5. Churdhar Trek (Sirmaur)
- Best For: Experienced trekkers, pilgrims
- Trek Distance: 18 km (one way)
- Difficulty Level: Moderate to Difficult
- Best Time to Visit: April–June, September–November
At 3,647 meters, Churdhar Peak is the highest in the outer Himalayas in Shimla district of Himachal Pradesh. The trek is steep but rewarding, offering stunning views of the Himalayas. At the summit, the Chureshwar Mahadev Temple adds a spiritual touch to the adventure.
How to Reach
- Take a shared taxi/bus to Nohradhar (₹300-₹500).
- Start trek from Nohradhar to Churdhar Peak.
Stay Options
- Temple Dharamshala: Free stay.
- Camping near Churdhar Peak: ₹200-₹400 per night.
Day-Wise Itinerary
- Day 1: Reach Nohradhar, trek to Churdhar Peak (7-8 hours).
- Day 2: Visit Chureshwar Mahadev Temple, descend back.
Food Costs
- Dhabas serve food for ₹100-₹150 per meal.
- Should Carry packed food/snacks for the trek and night stay.
💰 Total Estimated Cost: ₹3000-₹4000
Trekking in Himachal on a budget is not just a dream but a reality with the right approach. By choosing budget-friendly treks, opting for homestays or camping, and traveling in groups to share costs, you can experience the breathtaking beauty of Himachal Pradesh without burning a hole in your pocket. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned trekker, these trails promise adventure, serenity, and unforgettable memories. So, pack your bags, lace up your boots, and embark on a budget-friendly trekking journey in the Himalayas!
Based on the many sources and personal experiences, the ₹300-₹1000 camping cost refers to rented tents provided by locals or trekking groups at these locations. Most popular treks in Himachal, like Triund, Prashar Lake, Kareri Lake, and Churdhar, have setups where locals offer pre-pitched tents, sleeping bags, and sometimes even food for trekkers.
However, for more offbeat treks, like Churdhar or Hatu Peak, it’s better to confirm availability in advance, as some areas may not have permanent tent services. In those cases, trekkers might need to carry or rent their own tents before the trek.