Made of incredible monasteries and temples, flower-bedecked meadows, exquisite mountain lakes, rapid-flowing rivers, lush green valleys, deep gorges, and lofty snow peaks, Himachal Pradesh is like heaven on earth. Whether it is for sightseeing, relaxing, or mountain adventures like paragliding, mountaineering, and trekking, this north-Indian state has something for all kinds of travelers. So irrespective of who you are traveling with - family, friends, or alone - we have got you covered.
Before visiting the state or planning your itinerary, there are some things that you must be aware of. In this blog, we have covered the 7 most important ones. So let’s work on making your journey safe and smooth!
1. Always have a backup plan
If there’s one thing to know about the mountains, it is that they should never be underestimated. Sometimes there are landslides and other times, certain parts of mountains are blasted in case they are likely to slide away on the road. Generally, the blockage time is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., which means that any private vehicles and buses are required to stop.
In case you are traveling by your own vehicle, ensure that you are used to bumpy roads. Also, long-distance buses do not travel much frequently. Similarly, buses in small villages also travel only once or twice a day. So if you rely on them, be sure to ask local bus drivers the timings for travel so you do not have to waste time waiting or walking long distances.
2. Always carry means for entertainment.
Journeys in Himachal Pradesh can be long and boring. And since going up the mountains is a difficult trip, they take a lot of time and the speed is slow as well. This is why we recommend you carry something to keep you entertained. If you are into music, download a playlist well in advance because you may lose network on your way. The same is for people who like watching movies - download a few movies on your device beforehand.
Alternatively, if you like to read, you can carry a few books as well. Do not pack heavy books or a lot of them, especially if you plan to go trekking and camping in the mountains. Traveling light is the key when it comes to visiting Himachal Pradesh.
3. Cross-check the weight of your luggage.
While we have already said that you should pack light, we are going to put more emphasis on it. Technically, high altitude implies less oxygen and thus, shortness of breath. So the lesser you carry, the better it is for you. Typically, electronic gears are the heaviest of all. You are likely to carry portable chargers, chargers, batteries, cameras, laptops, and mobile phones. And if you do not plan to omit any of these, you will be required to reduce your weight by eliminating other items.
If you are not sure how to manage your luggage weight, keep reading. Remember that clothes are the second crucial thing. You can pack around 3 T-shirts and a couple of pairs of trousers and you are good to go. Another important item is food - you will require energy constantly. In case you are going to trek, pack some energy bars or chocolate bars for emergencies. Sleeping bags and tents are optional.
Other items to carry include medicines, band-aids, a toothbrush, toothpaste, face wash, a bar of soap, anti-fungal powder, powder, wound healing cream, and antiseptic cream.
4. One side of the state is tough and the other is easy.
There is a high possibility that this fact surprised you. In case you already didn’t know, the western side of Himachal Pradesh is easy, which is why if you plan to go relax, this is where you should go. Places like Dalhousie, Dharamshala, Shimla, and Manali have few roadblocks and are well-connected by road. This makes it easy and quick to travel here. Moreover, there are a number of restaurants and hotels everywhere.
On the other hand, the eastern side of the state is tough because of the bumpy roads. After leaving Reckong Peo, when you move further to the eastern side, you will find nothing for shelter. Some roadside hotels will provide you with basic facilities but it’s nothing compared to the luxurious and beautiful resorts of the west. In villages, you can reside at homestays. Nonetheless, if you are seeking a natural experience, this part is where you should go to.
5. Always carry cash
While everyone relies on online modes of payment currently, you will not be able to make payments online everywhere in Himachal Pradesh. Some vendors will require you to pay them in cash. And while there are ATMs in the state, they are not always in close proximity. Thus, it’s best to carry enough cash. If you are not an Indian national, exchange the currency well in advance. While you can expect to exchange currency or withdraw cash in popular places, it is very difficult to do the same in remote areas.
6. Maintain decorum
Traveling to Himachal Pradesh means you should have friendly behavior and be adaptable and courteous. Nonetheless, you must also maintain distance from people for your own privacy. Never be arrogant or rude to people. Also, keep track of your cab driver’s information at all times. And finally, maintain the decorum of the place. Himachal Pradesh is a very clean and green state - do not litter in public places or on roads. Help keep the place clean for others as well.
7. Take care of what you eat/drink
First of all, we recommend drinking bottled water at all times. Also, avoid eating outside in small restaurants or from roadside vendors. And finally, eat light while traveling, especially to a higher altitude. If you eat heavily, it may result in vomiting or nausea.
