How to Trek the Indian Himalayan Region on a Budget

“You never truly know a place until you’ve visited over and over again” – Uknown

As a seasoned traveler and native of Himachal Pradesh, some of my memorable adventures have been to the Indian Himalayan ranges. For more than seven years, I’ve trekked the paths of Leh-Ladakh, the Valley of Flowers, and Kedarkantha, just to name a few.

These must-see spots offer views of four of the five highest mountain peaks in the world, including Kanchenjunga and Everest.

Initially, I spent too much money on unnecessary gear, snacks, and accommodation. Over time, I learned to cut costs significantly without compromising the integrity of the trip. My interest culminated in Journeyio, the leading tour package provider in the region.

Are you eager to trek the Indian Himalayas on a budget?

Don’t worry, because I have been there and done that.

In this guide, I’ll share essentials, from the best time to go trekking, to selecting the right gear and finding affordable meals and accommodation.

Let’s dive right into it.

Important Trekking Routes

The Himalaya spreads across five countries in Asia including India, China, Nepal, Pakistan, and Bhutan. It is a vast mountain range and home to some of the world's highest peaks, including Mount Everest, the highest point on Earth.

The Indian section of the Himalayas stretches across five states: Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and West Bengal.

In this article, I’ll guide you through trekking in the Indian Himalayas, even on a budget.

Here are some of the important regions and trekking routes you should visit

Kashmir Valley Trek

Kashmir Valley has beautiful alpine meadows, lakes, and peaks. The popular treks in Kashmir Valley include Dabyan Kashmir Valley and Waterfall treks. If you arrive early, you can also venture to Bernese Oberland and Bern, a walk of around six kilometers.

You’ll see Nun Kun, the highest mountain peak of the Kashmir Himalayas.

You can camp at Tarsar Marsar for the night, which is the most aesthetically pleasing valley in Kashmir. The sight of the Tarsar and Marsar lakes, with snow-capped mountain peaks in the background, is simply breathtaking.

Leh-Ladakh Trek

Leh-Ladakh is a prime trekking destination in the Indian Himalayas. This region is extremely cold, so it’s best to visit during summer, from April to July. Night temperatures in Leh-Ladakh can drop to below –30°C, so proper gear is crucial.

Some essential gear you may need to carry for your trip to Leh-Ladakh include a woolen jacket, heavy winter jacket, woolen socks, and a monkey cap. Some nice places to trek and camp here are Tso Moriri and Chadar. Leh-Ladakh is also home to ancient Buddhist monasteries, such as Hemis and Diskit, which offer a unique blend of adventure and spiritual discovery.

Kumaon Trek

You can also explore popular treks in Kumaon such as the Pindari Glacier Trek, Kafni Glacier Trek, and Chandrashila Trek.

Standing at an altitude of 12,083 feet, the Deoriatal-Chandrashila trek is one of the best Himalayan treks for beginners in India.

However, the Ranthan Kharak Trek is the easiest in Kumaon with a downhill hike on the last day.

Kumaon trek will also allow you to see India’s tallest peaks - Nanda Devi and Sunanda Devi.

The best seasons for trekking in Kumaon Uttarakhand are spring and autumn. That is from April to June or September to November. The weather is quite forgiving during these seasons, allowing for extended treks.

The worst months for a Kumaon trek are July to September because the area tends to be subjected to relentless rainfall.

While this can make the natural landscape more scenic, tourists may experience cloudbursts, floods, and landslides.

Dangers and Challenges

Trekking in the Indian Himalayas is an exciting experience. The sense of accomplishment when you reach a summit, the serenity of remote mountain villages, and the beauty of pristine landscapes make every step worth it.

However, challenges are also a key part of the experience. The challenges will push you to your limits and help you connect with the raw power of nature.

Here are some of the dangers and challenges of trekking the Indian Himalayas;

Altitude sickness: If you’ve never climbed such high altitudes, you may succumb to altitude sickness. Symptoms include headaches, nausea, and dizziness. To overcome this, you should stay hydrated and descend if symptoms worsen.
Weather changes: The weather in the Indian Himalayas can change rapidly. It’s important to wear appropriate gear. More about this in the next section.
Navigation issues: Some remote paths are not marked properly. Therefore, hiring a local guide is a wise decision for your safety.
Wildlife encounters: Though rare, encounters with bears or leopards can occur. You should stay in groups and follow local advice to minimize risks.
Physical fatigue: Some treks are longer and steeper than others, which can put significant strain on your knees and thigh muscles.

Planning Your Trek to the Indian Himalayan Region

Here is a comprehensive guide:

The Right Time to Trek

Different seasons can influence your trekking expenses. Although the weather is ideal during peak seasons, trekking can be more costly due to the high demand for accommodation and services.

I prefer trekking the Indian Himalayas in early Spring, around April. During this time, the trails are usually less crowded and the costs are more manageable.

For example, the accommodation and food costs at Leh-Ladakh can be two to three times less costly than in the peak summer months.

If you are looking to save even more, consider trekking in late autumn or early winter. While the weather might be pretty challenging, you’ll trek at reduced costs due to the reduced demand.

Trekking Routes

The Indian Himalayas are made up of several trekking routes, ranging from short to long and easy to difficult. The longer a trekking route is, the more difficult it is, which makes it even more costly.

When trekking on a budget, I gravitate toward shorter, easier, and more affordable routes like Kedarkantha, Valley of Flowers, or Chopta Chandrashila. These treks are manageable, typically taking between five to seven days to complete.

This keeps my costs low in terms of accommodation, meals, and overall expenses.

The best months to trek these routes are from February to May, just before the monsoon season.

Alternatively, the post-monsoon months, from late September to December, are also ideal. During these times, the weather is favorable, and the trails are more accessible. You may need to trek up to five hours a day, gaining an altitude of no more than 2000 feet daily.

The trails are also well-defined and do not involve a variety of challenging terrains. Among these, my most cherished experience was trekking to the Valley of Flowers. The journey begins at Govindghat, and as you ascend, you’re treated to breathtaking views of the Hemkund Glacier.

The highlight, however, is the sight of over 300 species of endangered alpine flowers that carpet the valley.

It’s an unforgettable spectacle that is worth every penny spent on the adventure.

Trekking the Indian Himalayan Region on a Budget

Trekking on a budget might seem like a far-fetched idea, but it’s entirely doable.

Here is a simple budget breakdown;

Expense	Details	Estimated Cost
Permits	Required for most treks in Uttarakhand. Example: Valley of Flowers permit costs.	₹150 (Indian citizens) ₹600 (Foreigners)
Gear	Essential gear like trekking shoes, backpack, and waterproof jacket. Renting sleeping bags and trekking poles from local shops to reduce costs.	₹3,000–₹5,000 ₹300–₹500 per day
Accommodation	Basic guesthouses or tents. Reduce costs by sharing rooms or camping.	₹500–₹1,000 per night
Food	Simple meals like dal, rice, and vegetables. You can save on food by bringing snacks.	₹200–₹300 per meal
Transportation	Costs to reach the trailhead	Varies from visitor to visitor

Gear and Preparation: What You Really Need

The Himalayas are popular not only for their high peaks but also for their cold weather, which is why most travelers get it wrong when it comes to selecting the right gear. Most trekkers are likely to pack bulky items and end up hiring porters at premium costs.

Here are the essential items, with an emphasis on cost-saving tips;

Footwear: Select well-fitting and waterproof trekking boots with good ankle support.
Clothing: Layering is key. Start with moisture-wicking base layers, followed by insulating layers such as fleece or down jacket, and a waterproof outer shell.
Backpack: A durable backpack with a capacity of 40-60 liters is ideal for multi-day treks. It would be best if it is also rainproof.
Sleeping Bag: Carry a high-altitude sleeping bag rated for temperatures below freezing.
Trekking Poles: They’ll reduce the strain on your knees during steep descents.
First Aid Kit: Include basic medicines, blister care, and altitude sickness medication.
Headlamp: You’ll need it for early morning starts and to navigate in the dark.
Miscellaneous: A water purifier or iodine tablets.

Accommodation and Meals

Finally, let’s discuss your accommodation and meals.

Tea Houses vs. Camping

Camping is undoubtedly the most affordable accommodation option, with costs ranging from ₹300–₹800 per night inclusive of the camping gear. In contrast, tea houses are more expensive since they are more comfortable and warmer. During my treks to Kedarkantha, I stayed at a tea house run by a local family in Sankri. They treated me like one of their own.

After a long day of trekking, it was a relief to sink into a warm bed and enjoy a hot meal. Camping, on the other hand, can be more challenging in terms of weather, setting up tents, and solitude. However, it is affordable and offers a deeper connection to nature than the tea houses.

Eating on a Budget

Last autumn, while trekking in the Valley of Flowers, I stopped at a small local eatery in Ghangaria. The owner served me a plate of simple, home-cooked rajma and rice.

The meal was incredibly flavorful. What made it even more special was not the low cost, but the tiny wooden hut overlooking the valley with the scent of wildflowers in the air.

Therefore, to save money on meals when trekking in the Indian Himalayan region, you should;

Eat local meals
Avoid costly snacks, and
Carry your snacks

Reflecting on the Journey

Trekking the Indian Himalayan ranges can be costly to solo travelers and beginners who are not familiar with the trekking routes and cost-saving tips I’ve offered in this guide.

If you are on a budget, it's important to carry your own food and snacks from home, hire camping gear, and trek the easiest routes. Feel free to contact Journeyio for a customized and budget-friendly trekking experience in the Himalayan region of Himachal Pradesh.