These 7 cheap hill stations in Himachal gave me beauty, calm, and unforgettable moments. You don’t need a lot of money to feel rich in Himachal. When I travelled through these hidden hill stations with just ₹1,000 a day, I found everything I needed—cozy homestays, home-cooked meals, peaceful trails, and kind-hearted locals. These quiet villages may not have big hotels or fancy cafés, but they offer something better: real stories, fresh mountain air, and the kind of peace money can’t buy.
Quick Overview: 7 cheap hill stations in Himachal
If you want to quickly decide where to go, here are 7 hill stations in Himachal where you can travel on a budget:
- Shoja – Forest views, peace, and quiet
- Jibhi – Great for remote workers and nature lovers
- Barog – Small, clean town with a toy train stop
- Chail – Less crowded than Shimla, with palace gardens
- Tosh – In Parvati Valley, perfect for backpackers
- Banjar – Simple, authentic Himachali vibes
- Kasauli – Calm, clean, and full of nature trails
Best Time to Visit These Cheap Hill Stations in Himachal
Himachal Pradesh has varied weather depending on altitude, but here’s what to expect in most of these places:
March to June (Spring & Early Summer)
- Temperature: 10°C – 25°C
- Weather: Refreshing days and cool nights
- Best For: Treks, nature walks, forest trails, photography
- What to Pack: Light woollens, hiking shoes, sunblock
July to August (Monsoon)
- Temperature: 15°C – 22°C
- Weather: Heavy rainfall, especially in Tirthan and Parvati Valley
- Avoid Travel: Roads can get slippery or blocked due to landslides
- Tip: If traveling during this time, stick to lower-altitude places like Barog or Kasauli
September to November (Post-Monsoon & Autumn)
- Temperature: 8°C – 20°C
- Weather: Clear skies, fresh air, fewer tourists
- Best For: Scenic views, budget travel, fewer crowds
- Bonus: Homestays are cheaper during this shoulder season
December to February (Winter)
- Temperature: 0°C – 12°C (can go below zero in Tosh or Shoja)
- Weather: Snowfall in higher areas, freezing nights
- Best For: Snow lovers, photographers
- Caution: Budget stays may not have heating—prepare well
- Also Read: Ultimate 7 to 10-Day Spiti Valley Itinerary (2025) – Best Spots, Routes & Stay
7 Cheap Hill Stations in Himachal
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Shoja
- Where: Close to Jalori Pass in Seraj Valley
- Stay options: ₹500–700 homestays.
- When I visited, I stayed in a wooden room with forest views and birdsong. It was peaceful and very affordable.
- Local Tip: Go to Jalori Pass early in the morning. The road is clearer, and the sunrise is magical.
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Jibhi
- Where: Near Shoja in Tirthan Valley
- Stay options: Hostels from ₹350/night.
- You’ll notice that many travelers are working on laptops in cozy cafes. The Jibhi waterfall is also nearby.
- Local Tip: Ask locals about the forest path to the hidden waterfall. It’s quiet and completely free.
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Barog
- Where: Near Solan, on the Kalka–Shimla train route
- Stay options: ₹600–800 hotels and guesthouses.
- When I visited, I took the toy train from Kalka to Barog for ₹50. The ride through tunnels and pine forests was unforgettable.
- Local Tip: Try tea at the Barog station tea shop. Locals say it’s the best chai in the region.
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Chail
- Where: 45 km from Shimla, quieter and greener
- Stay options: Homestays from ₹700–₹800
- You’ll notice: Beautiful forests, royal palace gardens, and less noise than in Shimla.
- Local Tip: Visit the Chail Palace. Entry is 200 Rupees Per Person, and the gardens are perfect for peaceful walks and photos.
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Tosh
- Where: Parvati Valley, above Kasol
- Stay options: Guesthouses and cafes with rooms ₹400–₹800
- When I visited, my guesthouse had a mountain view that looked like a painting. It was completely free to enjoy.
- Local Tip: Go a bit further beyond the main village to find hidden spots and photo points.
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Banjar
- Where: In the lower Tirthan Valley, near Jibhi
- Stay options: ₹500–700 homestays.
- You’ll notice: Few tourists, clean rivers, and genuine Himachali food.
- Local Tip: Ask your host to make you a siddu (a steamed local bread). It’s filling and not easily found in restaurants.
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Kasauli
- Where: 60 km from Chandigarh, a small hill town
- Stay options: Budget hotels from ₹700–₹800
- When I visited: I walked the nature trails in the evening—no entry fee, lots of fresh air.
- Local Tip: Walk the Gilbert Trail at sunset. The view and light are perfect for photos and quiet time.
Routes & Distance from Delhi
Here’s how far each hill station is from Delhi:
- Shoja: ~490 km via Mandi
- Jibhi: ~500 km via Aut Tunnel
- Barog: ~300 km via Chandigarh
- Chail: ~350 km
- Tosh: ~530 km via Bhuntar
- Banjar: ~490 km
- Kasauli: ~290 km
Daily Budget Estimate: 7 Cheap Hill Stations in Himachal
| Category | Approx. Cost (INR) |
|---|---|
| Stay | ₹500–800 |
| Food | ₹200–300 |
| Local Travel | ₹100–200 |
| Misc. | ₹100 |
| Total | ₹1,000 max |
Why These Are Budget-Friendly
Each place offers:
- Rooms or homestays from ₹500–₹800
- Local food for ₹200–₹300 per day
- Free or low-cost sightseeing (waterfalls, trails, forests)
- Affordable buses/shared taxis to reach the destination
So yes, you can manage on ₹1,000 per day without compromising on experience.
My Travel Tips for 7 Cheap Hill Stations in Himachal
Use HRTC buses — cheap and cover almost all towns.
Walk into local homestays — don’t book online in small villages.
Eat local thali meals — simple, fresh, and cheap.
Hike short distances — save money and enjoy nature.
Visit in Feb–March or Sept–Nov — best rates and fewer tourists.
Final Thoughts: 7 Cheap Hill Stations in Himachal
You don’t need a big budget to enjoy the hills of Himachal. With ₹1,000 a day, you can stay in cozy places, eat delicious food, and explore nature freely. These offbeat hill stations give you peace, adventure, and a break from city life.