Are you thinking about taking a trip to Himachal Pradesh for the first time? If so, then suit yourself up because the lush green valleys, deep ravines, snow-laden beauty, and mesmerizing scenic views will take your breath away. One of the most famous tourist destinations, the north-Indian state is perfect for all kinds of travelers. May it be those on a family vacation or honeymooners, Himachal has something for everyone. And it has also become an attraction to backpackers as well.Before you reserve your hotels and book bus/flight tickets, we would like you to know some things. Based on these, you will not only be able to better prepare the itinerary but also know what to expect. Keep reading this ultimate travel guide for Himachal Pradesh to find out more.
Best Time for Traveling to Himachal
Every season in Himachal offers something different to travelers. If you want to witness snowfall and perform activities like skiing and heli-skiing, you should visit during the winter months, that is, between December and February. Oftentimes, the majority of places in Himachal experience snowfalls in January and February. In case you have a thing for petrichor, monsoon is the right season to travel in. The rain showers make the already beautiful state even more fascinating. From meadows to mountains, everything is greener. And the various hues of green will leave you astonished. Besides, you can also go river rafting at this time. Since this is the off-season, you will be able to obtain tickets and accommodation at the cheapest prices and the absence of crowds will make it an even more peaceful experience for you. If large groups of people and crowded places do not bother you, then you can consider visiting Himachal during the summer season. It is likely that the part of the country you are in experiences scorching heat at the time. There is no better escape than to travel here. Moreover, you can perform a number of activities like trout fishing, paragliding, and horse-riding. Thus, the best time for traveling to Himachal Pradesh is dependent on the kind of experience you are looking forward to. Nonetheless, be aware of the dangers while deciding the time of your trip. While there is heavy snowfall during winters, areas in Himachal become prone to landslides in monsoon. Both of these can be risky and cause road blockages.
Things You Must Pack
To begin with, you must carry proper woolen clothes, including gloves. Even during monsoons, nights can be chilly. And if you are going to travel a lot or go trekking, we recommend you pack light since higher altitudes can make it difficult for you to breathe and carry all the heavy luggage. Other essential items to pack include important documents like ID cards/passports, cash, a pair of trekking shoes, electronic devices, a power bank, a torch, a first-aid kid, medicines, and mosquito repellant. Do not rely completely on purchasing items during your trip since it can be difficult to find stores in remote areas. This is especially in reference to medicines - Also, carry enough cash because you won’t be able to access ATMs everywhere, and online payment modes are not accepted by most vendors.
How to Reach Here?
Himachal can be reached only by road. Thus, if you are traveling from a foreign country or from another part of India, reach Delhi first by flight/train/bus, whichever mode is convenient for you. Then you can reach Manali and Shimla through an overnight journey by road. Alternatively, you can also take a flight to Bhuntar Airport in Himachal Pradesh. One thing to note is that in events of road blockages, there can be delays in trips. These blockages can be a result of heavy rainfalls, heavy snowfalls, and landslides. Further, sometimes some mountains are blasted to ensure better safety of people. These large pieces of rocks can also block the roads. Things to Consider While Planning the Trip While planning your trip, you must take the following things into consideration. This will help you avoid any inconveniences and aid you in having a hassle-free trip.? Carry important documents: While we have already mentioned this earlier, we would like to place more emphasis on this. Carry all the necessary documents, like passport/government- issued identity proofs and necessary permits. You will require ID cards while checking in at the hotel/resort. Further, keep your driver’s details handy at all times. ? Take necessary safety precautions: Your safety must be your prior concern. The water currents in Himachal Pradesh are highly strong, which is why you should never step into the river or stand at the edge of cliffs for the sake of clicking aesthetic photographs. ? Obtain permissions: Whether you want to visit a place like Rohtang Pass or wish to capture photographs at a monument, there are certain activities that require to take permission. Thus, obtain these in advance to ensure a smooth trip. ? Health precautions: Take care of your health during your stay in Himachal Pradesh. This includes eating at hygienic places and avoiding any street food vendors. Further, always drink bottled water to avoid any stomach infections. After all, a trip can only be fun when you are healthy. Also, remember to carry tensor bandages, alcohol-based sanitizer, a thermometer, and band-aids. ? Weather conditions: Regions like Sirmour, Una, Solan, Hamirpur, and Kangra are hot during summer. This is what makes them pleasant during winter. On the other hand, places like Shimla, Spiti, Chamba, Kinnaur, Lahaul, and Kullu are mild to pleasant in summer and are extremely cold during winter. Thus, based on the time of traveling and the places you plan to visit, pack your clothes. For summers, you can take sweatshirts and t-shirts but for winters, carry heavy woolen clothes since the temperatures can drop below zero degrees Celsius.
The Bottom Line
While planning your trip to Himachal Pradesh, all you need to do is bear certain factors in mind, like weather conditions and the places you wish to visit as well as carry all the important items. Once these are taken care of, you are all set for having a memorable experience.
