Travel Tips
While trekking, picnicking or visiting wild life sanctuaries
1. Do not leave behind any non-bio-degradable litter like plastic bottles and cans
2. Bury all bio-degradable litter.
3. Use only dry fallen twigs for firewood.
4. Avoid big bonfires
5. Do not wash clothes or rinse soap in water holes. Animals use this water to drink.
6. Avoid loud music and noise.
7. Use vehicles to a minimum
8. Do not damage or remove plants.
Conserve Nature Today And It Will Protect Our Tomorrows
Where available, it is advisable to use pre-paid taxis/auto rickshaws or, pay by meter or ask for the fare chart.
Himachal has an enormous range of weather conditions.Most areas of Bilaspur, Solan, Sirmour, Hamirpur, Kangra and Una, are largely warm to hot in summer, and mild to pleasant in winter.
The districts of Chamba, Kinnaur, Kullu, Lahaul-Spiti and Shimla, are largely mild to pleasant in summer and cold in winter. Do check the type of clothing and other equipment you may require for the region you are visiting.
Stay only in hotels/guest houses registered with the Department of Tourism.
A certificate to this effect is prominently displayed by them. In the main tourist centres, the rates of porters are fixed. For hiring porters and pack animals - especially for treks - these are normally negotiated. Let the Department of Tourism help you.
Shop at Government emporia. The prices are reasonable and the quality ensured - 'Himachal Emporium' outlets are located at Bilaspur, Chamba, Dharamsala, Kangra, Jwalamukhi, Palampur, Recong Peo, Bhabanagar, Mandi, Kullu, Manali, Keylong, Nahan, Solan, Arki, Shimla, New Delhi, Bombay, Bangalore and Chamdigarh. You can also buy directly from craftsmen located throughout Himachal.
For electrical appliances, check voltage 220V, which is the standard in Himachal.
For sight-seeing and excursions, contact Himachal Tourism offices or Government approved Travel Agents and Tour Operators, Himachal Tourism has its own fleet of coaches and taxis.
Some monuments and buildings require permission for photography and filming. Contact the nearest Tourism Office or the concerned District Administration for guidance and assistance.
Change money only at Authorised Foreign Exchange outlets/Banks/Hotels. Insist on receipt for money changed.
Credit cards are accepted at most shops, restaurants and hotels in the main towns. Their use is minimal outside them and all payments are in cash.
If any document is lost, immediately contact the nearest Police Station or Himachal Tourism Office.
Dispose all litter carefully. The use of plastic bags is banned in Himachal.Keep your valuables in hotel lockers/safe deposit vaults. STD/ISD/FAX facilities are available.For medical assistance contact Government hospitals and dispensaries, your hotel or accredited nursing home/clinics/hospitals.
