Surrounded by striking states like Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab and Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh is known for its charisma. The connotation of the word Himachal is ‘The land of snows’, which gives you an idea of what to expect. Himachal Pradesh hosts the most popular tourist destinations like Manali, Shimla, Kufri, Dalhousie, Kasauli, Kullu, and Kasol. Be it family trips, honeymoons, solo or squad trips, Himachal Pradesh tops the list. Himachal Pradesh has become hub for spending most of the summer vacations. As soon as the heat of June approaches, all it come to the mind is “Himachal Pradesh”!
It is popularly known for it’s mesmerizing landscapes, temples and monasteries. So, before you pack your bags with thrill and excitement; we present you the list of 10 travelling tips to follow before visiting Himachal Pradesh.
- Get your Tour Documents sorted
If you have booked a travel package online, get the confirmation voucher in printed format. It is a necessity for all travellers. It is needed during the time of check-in at the hotels and for the cab driver information. Do not forget to carry a detailed itinerary in printed form. The tour will begin as per the itinerary given. Always, always read the cost-included section carefully. Anything not mentioned in the itinerary is considered excluded.
- Check weather conditions prior
Your visit becomes fruitful only when the weather is favourable. The intensity of weather varies within the state itself. Some areas in Himachal Pradesh might be a little hot in summers, whereas some will be favourable for a vacation. For instance, most areas of Bilaspur, Una, Solan, and Kangra are majorly warm to hot in summer, and mild to pleasant during winters. Parts of Chamba, Kinnaur, Kullu, Shimla and Lahaul and Spiti are mild to pleasant during summer and extremely cold during winter.
Pack your luggage depending on your tour location and the month of travel. For summers, full sleeves t-shirts to sweatshirts would work but for winters, heavy woollen clothes and shoes are recommended. Temperature in hills can change any time, therefore carrying a windcheater is advisable. If you are visiting these areas during snowfall, you can rent gum boots from road side vendors.
- Do not forget to carry your Id proofs
Government issued identity proofs are very essential and need to be carried everytime you go out for vacations. These documents are required to be taken into consideration at the hotel or resort before checking in. Always keep the Id proof with yourself while travelling. Always keep a soft copy of your documents in your mobile devices in case of emergency.
- Keep a list of Emergency numbers
Keep the emergency contacts of Himachal Pradesh or any place you are visiting in place. Do not forget to save the details of your hotel in your mobile and share the same with your family members. Here’s a list of quick contacts for your reference.
- Police: 100
- Ambulance: 102
- District Control Room: 1077
- Emergency Contact Number [Integrated Police/ Fire Station/ Medical Services]: 108
- Tourist Information Office (Shimla)
- Tourism Information Office (Manali)
- Tourism Information Office (Kullu)
- Tourism Information Office (Dharamshala)
- Tourism Information Office (Dalhousie)
- Keep your health in balance
Food is the best thing you can endeavour while travelling to a different place. But forbid eating anything from the roadside stalls and small unhygienic restaurants. Prefer bottled water for drinking purposes. Water and food served in open may not be clean and may cause stomach infections. Carry personal medication and do not over eat while travelling to a higher altitude to avoid nausea/ vomiting.
Since the weather of Himachal Pradesh is unpredictable, so you are more susceptible to catching cold and cough. Carry medicines prescribed by the doctor and keep yourself warm. By any chance you get sick, abstain yourself from indulging in adventurous activities.
- Follow instructions
Respect the social norms and instructions of the place you are travelling. Tourist places always come with a list of instructions to be followed. There are historical places or museums where there is a prohibition on photography and videography. Some temples or religious places do not allow you to wear shoes in the premises. So, try and follow them to make your visit trouble-free.
- Safety precautions
“Prevention is better than cure.”
Follow this old saying religiously when you are travelling to a hill station like Himachal Pradesh. Water currents in rivers of Himachal Pradesh are very strong. Do not stand near the cliff or near the bank of the river for photographs etc.
- List of Essentials to carry
- Sunscreen lotion & Moisturising lotion
- Woollen Clothes
- Good rubber-soled shoes
- Medicines
- Camera with sufficient batteries and film
- Dark polarized Sun glasses with retainers
- Id Proofs
- Check and review the hotel
Before commencing with the booking of the hotel, check all the services, out of pocket expenses and norms of the hotel. If you need add-ons like heater, extra beds, blankets, room refreshments and more, request your travel agent to customize your package according to your need.
- Be smart!
We know this is a generalised statement. But trust us, it contains all precautions. Don’t get duped by fake online travel agencies. Research well about a package before making the payment. And always fight for your rights.
Now you are all set to enjoy your stay in Himachal Pradesh.
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