10 Travel Tips You Need To Know Before Visiting Himachal Pradesh

Composed of lofty snow peaks, deep gorges, lush green valleys, fast flowing rivers, enchanting mountain lakes, flower bedecked meadows, beautiful temples and monasteries, Himachal Pradesh is a traveller’s paradise. May it be for relaxing, sightseeing, or for some hill side adventures like trekking, mountaineering, para-gliding, or more, Himachal has something for everyone!

Whether you’re travelling with family or alone, TravelTriangle has compiled these travel tips for you to help keep your journey smooth and safe along the way.

Tip 1: Tour Documents

1. Tour confirmation voucher in printed format is a must for all travellers. It is needed for check-in at the hotels and for the Cab and driver details.

2. Make sure to carry a detailed itinerary in printed format. The tour will commence as per the itinerary provided. Always read the cost included section carefully. Anything not mentioned in the itinerary is considered excluded.

Tip 2: Weather Conditions

Most areas of Bilaspur, Una, Solan, Sirmour, Hamirpur and Kangra are largely warm to hot in summer (25 degrees to 15 degrees), and mild to pleasant in winter (15 degree to 5 degrees). The district of Chamba, Kinnaur, Kullu, Shimla and Lahaul and Spiti are mild to pleasant (15 degree to 5 degree) in summer and cold in winter (10 degree to -5 Degree).

Pack your clothing depending on your location and the month of travel. For summers, full sleeves t-shirts to sweatshirts should be carried but for winters, heavy woollen clothing is recommended.

Temperature in hills may change any moment, therefore, apart from the regular clothes you carry, a windcheater is a must.

If you wish to visit areas with heavy snowfall, you may rent gum boots from road side vendors available on your way. Hotel staff and your driver will be able to guide you for the same.

Tip 3: Id proofs

Government issued identity proofs need to be shown at the hotel or resort before check-in. Always keep the Id proof with yourself while travelling. Keep a digital copy of your documents in your mobile devices in case of loss or emergency.

Tip 4: Check and Review your Hotel

Please check the Hotel amenities and ratings before booking the hotel. If you may need add-ons like heater, extra beds, blankets, room refreshments and more, request your travel agent to customize your package before making the payments. If you are travelling with children or the elderly, ask your agent to book a hotel closer to the mall roads/ lower altitudes. If you may wish to change your accommodation, the cancellation charges will have to be borne by the traveller.

Tip 5: Emergency Numbers

Always keep the emergency contacts of the place you are visiting and your family members handy. Always save the details of your accommodation in your mobile devices and share the information 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) : 0177-2658302, 0177-2652561
• Tourism Information Office (Manali) : 01902-253531
• Tourism Information Office (Kullu) : 01902-222349
• Tourism Information Office (Dharamshala) : 01892-224212
• Tourism Information Office (Dalhousie) : 01899-242136

Tip 6: Health Precautions

Avoid eating anything from the roadside vendors and too small restaurants. Stick to bottled water for drinking purposes. Water and food (cut fruits and more) served in open may not be clean or pure and may cause stomach infections. Carry personal medication (Mainly Crocin, ORS/Electrol, Eno, Disprin/Asprin, Band Aids, Thermometer, Adhesives, Alcohol based sanitizer, Tensor Bandages, Antiemetics). Do not over eat while travelling to a higher altitude to avoid nausea/ vomiting.

Tip 7. Maintain Distance

While travelling to a new destination always maintain distance from unknown locals like tourist guides, taxi drivers etc. Do not be rude or over friendly with them. Always keep a track of the cab drivers information. Avoid travelling or driving in late in the night due to low visibility and safety issues. Make sure your driver follows the itinerary as planned. Any hiring for porters should either be done through the hotel reference or the Department of Tourism.

Tip 8. Take Permissions

Some buildings and monument (Indian Institute of Advanced Study, Shimla; Chail Palace) may require special permissions for photography or filming. District Administration & Tourism office will help you with the same. Also, tourists intended to take adventure activities are advised to inform local authorities such as SDM, Police, & Tourist office; and seek necessary permissions. You may need to present your id proofs to seek permissions. Call your travel agent in case you need any help related to getting permissions.

Tip 9. Stay Prepared

While on adventure trips, read about the location you are visiting and keep heavy woollen clothing, rubber soled shoes, gloves, torch, stick, food (energy bars, dry fruits, packaged food etc.), water, mosquito repellent, toilet paper, some instrument to lit fire (match box/ lighter etc.). Water may freeze in high altitude areas, thus, thermos is recommended.

Tip 10. Safety Precautions

Water currents in rivers of Himachal Pradesh are very strong. It is highly advised to not stand near the cliff or on the bolder near the bank of the river or step into the river for photographs etc.

Must Carry:
1. Sunscreen lotion & Moisturising lotion
2. Heavy Woollen Clothing & socks
3. Good rubber-soled shoes
4. Personal Medication
5. Camera with sufficient batteries and film / memory cards
6. Dark polarized Sun glasses with retainers
7. Id Proofs

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