 Himachal
Pradesh The Eco-friendly State, Breathtaking Scenery, Culture, History
and Heritage, Celebrations, Fairs and Festivals, Wild life and Nature.
Adventure and Sport. Comprehensive Facilities. And Always a Warm
Welcome.
DO's
Foreigners who wish
to overstay, should contact the nearest Foreigners' Regional
Registration Office or the Sadar Police Station in the towns.
Unleaded petrol is
available at select stations only If travelling in
Kinnaur, Lahaul and Spiti:
Petrol pumps on the route are at Shimla, Theog, Narkanda, Rampur,
Powari, Recong Peo, Kaza, Keylong, Manali and Sarchu.
If driving, essential spares and extra fuel are recommended. A sturdy
vehicle (Jeep/Gypsy), is suggested.
If crossing the high passes, good health is essential
Government hospitals are at Keylong, Kaza and Recong Peo. Dispensaries
are available elsewhere.
Prescription medicines and sun-screen lotion should be carried along
The best time to travel in these areas is between April and October.
While planning your trip, it is suggested that you check on general
road conditions and confirm if the high passes are open to traffic.
While
trekking, picnicking or visiting wild life sanctuaries:
Do not leave behind
any non-bio-degradable litter like plastic bottles and cans
Bury all
bio-degradable litter. Use only dry fallen
twigs for firewood. Avoid big bonfires
Do not wash clothes
or rinse soap in water holes. Animals use this
water to drink. Avoid loud music and
noise. Use vehicles to a
minimum Do not damage or
remove plants. Do not disturb
animals
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.
Observe local traditions and customs - especially while visiting
religious places. Contact your nearest Tourist Office/hotel for
guidance.
DONT's
Don't leave
non-biodegradable material behind. Don't encourage
beggars. Don't be coerced
into shopping by touts, guides, taxi drivers or strangers.
Don't buy articles
made from rare or endangered species or animals which are protected.
Don't buy antiques
to carry overseas. The export of all artiches over a hundred years old
is banned. Don't disfigure or
scribble over rocks, trees, buildings etc. Don't get lured into
sightseeing by touts. Let the Department of Tourism, the Himachal
Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation, Approved Travel Agents and
Tour Operators or your hotel help you.
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