9 tips to explore Shimla like a pro!

Read this blog till the end and you’ll be able to plan THE MOST ECONOMICAL trip to Shimla, costing you less than a McD meal (assuming a basic meal at McD costs ₹179) everyday for a month. No, we aren’t joking. Ready to find the truth? Here we go.

1. Let us reach you with offers

How would you do it? Follow us on social media, especially Instagram - and join our email list. We announce offers and contests regularly. You can leverage those for saving money on your next stay. Join the COMMUNE - our membership plan that helps you save huge every time you travel. We regularly offer FREE NIGHTS to our contest winners and loyal customers. You could be one of the winners.  

2. Plan your stay mindfully

Based on personal experience, we recommend 2 days to explore Shimla and 1 day to just CHILL there. And this is excluding the time you’d spend travelling to Shimla. To give you an estimate, you could do it in between ₹1500 to ₹2500 for three days if you follow all steps.

The picturesque landscape of Shimla

3. Book your stay months in advance

At least 6 months in advance. Maybe even sooner. The rule is simple: the sooner you book, the less you pay. You can leverage EARLY BIRD promotional offers we run to save some money.

4. Always choose The Hosteller over any hotel or other hostel brands

This is a VERY PERSONAL RECOMMENDATION from one traveller to another. Aside from being VERY affordable like a hostel should be, everything at The Hosteller is a value for money. Premium rooms, be it dorms or private rooms; clean bedsheets, appropriately sized beds, spacious rooms, access to natural light, tech-enabled facilities through GLU , locker facility for everyone, pool in almost all properties and an in-house cafe called Unbox cafe serving DELICIOUS (emphasis on the deliciousness) food. To sum up, we offer the world to everyone at a price which isn’t even enough for a decent meal for two these days. Don’t take our words for it, live the #HostellerExperience. The average price per bed should range between ₹500-₹900, given you book your stays in advance. Additionally, if you follow us on social media, you’d find us announcing regular discounts. You can leverage those to reduce your stay’s cost even further.

Good luck snatching our profits!

Guests relaxing at the Hosteller Shimla

5. Use the most affordable travel option

Disclaimer: Affordable doesn’t always mean the cheapest; it refers to the best option considering factors like time, money, risk, and effort. Again, one traveller to another, trains are always the most safe, cost-effective and comfortable options. "This applies to anyone planning a trip to Shimla, irrespective of which part of India they live in. Find a train to Kalka, book it, and you’re ready to go. A sleeper coach ticket should cost you between ₹600 to ₹1000 depending on the distance. You can take the toy train from Kalka to reach Shimla which would cost another ₹50 to ₹100. State transport buses are also a viable option for those who live in neighbouring cities of Punjab, Haryana, Delhi and Jammu & Kashmir.

6. For local travelling, Himachal roadways is the way to go

Local state transport is the most affordable way to travel locally. The buses follow a standard rate chart issued by the government, ensuring no one ends up overpaying. And there’s a bus for everywhere you might need to go. Do check the bus timings beforehand. The frequency of buses in remote parts like Mashobara and Tattapani can be an issue. You can also rent a scooty if you can find a rental service provider that’s within ₹500-₹700 per day. We’d ideally recommend renting a scooty if you are planning to ride to further areas in Shimla - and if you have one more traveller with you. For areas within 2 km, walking is the best option.

7. Street food and local dhabas are always a great option

And yes, most stalls are hygienic, and non-fancy dhabas offer good food on a budget. While staying at The Hosteller, you can rely on our Unbox cafe for premium cafes-like food but at a price that suits your strict budget.

Don't forget to try Siddu! 

8. Timing plays an important role

That said, Shimla is a place you can visit anytime of the year, given you are there to explore the place and not the snow. Go during Shimla’s off season, particularly between July to September. You can explore the place in peace without spending more.

9. Skip shopping things you don’t need

You can spend an entire fortune on shopping and yet not be satisfied. Thus, it is better to avoid shopping from Lakkad bazaar or any other local market of Shimla, unless you really like something.

This is all. Now let’s see how much you can save. Plan a trip already and once you are done, come back and let us know how much you spent. To get you started, click on the link and book your stay in Shimla.