After much contemplation and speculation, you have finally chosen Himachal Pradesh as your destination. You have finally decided to heed the call of the hills. We will make sure that your plan works out by creating a timeline for you and guiding you step by step. 

Pre-trip jitters are no strangers to us, which is why, it is essential to prep yourself way before the travel date! Here are a few tips to make yourself trip-ready and ensure that everything is in place before the D-day! Be it two weeks prior to the trip or just a few days before it, we have got you covered with all the necessities that you need to look into. 

Two Weeks Prior

Here are some questions that you may have before you head on to that fun trip in Himachal. 

What Should I pack?

• Since temperatures in the hills fluctuate at any given moment, make sure that you carry a windcheater, be it summer or winter
• Sunscreen to beat the heat.
• Moisturising lotion
• Heavy woollen clothing and socks
• Clothes that will keep you comfortable in the heat
• Avoid carrying heels and go for flats or sports/trekking shoes
• Sunglasses will be your best friend in this hilly paradise
• Whether you’re travelling by road, air or train, tit-bits to munch on the way will help while away time

What Is The Maximum Luggage Allowed By Airlines And How Many Kgs?

• Your luggage should not weigh more than 15 kgs for check-in bags. 
• For cabin baggage, 1 hand baggage and one laptop bag or purse is typically allowed.

However, please check the luggage rules of the airline you are flying as these tend to differ across carriers.

Two To Three Days Before The Trip

Power Banks And Adapters

You need to make sure that you are accessible at all times. It is essential to stay connected with the people you are travelling with and to have access to information while on the go. Hence, make sure that your power banks are always charged in case your phone batteries run out during the trip. You do not want a dead phone when you reach an unknown destination. Also, do not forget to carry universal plug chargers and adapters. You will usually find two and three round pin plugs used in Himachal Pradesh. 

Toiletries

• Hand sanitiser is a must to free yourself from any germs you may have been exposed to during the trip. 
• Toothpaste and toothbrush, though available in the hotel is a cleaner option if it’s your own. 
• A sunscreen and moisturiser always to protect your skin from the sun.
• Your own face wash which you can use anywhere and anytime during the trip to feel fresh. 
• Shampoo and conditioner, since you know your hair type best; the hotel provided ones may not suit your skin.
• Your personal hair comb or brush, which ideally, must not be shared with anyone.

Clothes

• Windcheaters and woollen clothes for the winter
• Full sleeved T-shirts and light woollen clothes for the summer
• A wide-brimmed hat for protection against the heat and sunrays
• Flats and sports shoes
• Socks

Medicines

Always keep a first aid kit bag handy with you in case of any emergencies.

• Pain killers
• Antiseptic cream
• Safety pins
• Crepe rolled bandages 
• Skin rash cream
• Cough and cold medicines
• Antidiarrheal medicine

The Day Of Travel

Food

Carry some ready to eat food like biscuits, nuts, sandwiches or rolls to keep your stomach full during the trip and just in case the airlines food doesn’t suit you. Homemade food is safer as you do not want an upset stomach on a flight or a train. Also do carry some toffees, candies and sweets since the sudden change in altitude could make you nauseous.

Important Documents

• Valid photo identification proofs such as your passport, pan card, adhaar card or driving licence to get onto that plane or even to get access to certain places in Himachal.
• A printout of your ticket no matter how you are travelling - be it by road, railways or air. 
• Photocopies of important documents such as your tickets, passports, valid photo identification proofs, credit/debit/forex cards, and hotel and other sightseeing bookings
• Scanned copies of the above, which must be emailed to yourself

Insurance

God forbid, if unwanted circumstances interrupt your trip or cut it short after the bookings have been made, travel insurance is a way to get some of your money back. Most domestic travel insurance companies in India provide you services such as medical assistance on your phone across the country and reimbursement of medical costs during the trip, no matter where you are.

Important Numbers

Always keep handy the numbers of the local Consulate, police and other emergency services as well as of the travel consultants and agents you have organised your trip through. 

Hotel Bookings

Confirm your hotel bookings and ask for the payment receipt or booking voucher before you reach your destination. Some resorts also provide pick up and drop facilities from and to the airport. SOTC also organises hotel bookings for you as a part of its holiday packages.

Cash/Card

Credit cards are accepted by most hotels and restaurants in Himachal. You will also find 24/7 ATMs. MasterCard and Visa are the widely accepted credit cards. However, do keep some amount of cash with you if you plan to travel to remote areas.

During The Trip

If you are visiting Himachal, learning a few phrases in some its local languages depending on where in Himachal you are could prove to be handy. Here are some phrases in the most widely spoken language in Himachal:

• Hello/Good Morning- Namaste
• My name is – Mera naa saa
• Can you help me? – Meri madad karle tusse?
• Where- Kuthi?

Tips For Travelling In Himachal

Head to Shimla if you enjoy the hustle bustle and want to marvel at the remnants of British history. For some adventure sports, visit Bir Billing. Make your way to Malana if you wish to disconnect from the world. 

Getting around - The most convenient way to explore Himachal would be to get behind the jeep. This is the best option if you wish to travel to remote areas with hardly any bus services.  You could also try state, private bus services in places like Shimla, Manali, Kullu and Solan.

Lodging options – Depending on where you are, you have a choice of plush hotels, nature resorts, Govt hotels, hostels, OYO and Air BnB, guest houses and homestays.

Some food specialities of Himachal include Madra, Dhaam, Tudkiya Bhath and Bhey (spicy lotus stems) 

If you wish to travel to off-beat locations, head to Chamba Valley, Chitkul, Nako and Pangi valley.

Tipping - It is not really necessary to tip the waiters in Himachal Pradesh. However, if you do plan to tip, 5 to 10% of the bill would be acceptable. 

Social Etiquette 

• Try not to point your feet towards people or deities or touching anybody with them.
• Do ask people before you take pictures of ceremonies and sacred sites.
• Do remove your shoes before you enter places of worship or people’s homes.

Cost Of Living In Himachal 

• If you are planning to get a mid-range double hotel room, you would require INR 1500 TO 5000
• Local restaurants would go up to INR 600-1500 while the local taxi would cost INR 500-2000
• Hiring a car and driver would cost INR 2000 per day

Please note that these costs are only indicative and are subject to change.

When To Visit Himachal

• If you want to enjoy the comfortable summers in Himachal, the months of March to June are ideal. Temperatures go up to 35 Celsius in May. 
• The winter season in Himachal layers most parts of it with white. Visit between October and February.

A Glimpse Into Himachal's Culture Through Art

Movies – Jab We Met, starring Shahid Kapoor and Kareena Kapoor Khan shows picturesque locations in Manali and Shimla.

Music – Aaoge Jab Tum from Jab We Met shot in Shimla.