10 things to consider while planning a hill station trip
Hill stations are nature’s way of telling you to chill — literally. Whether you’re dreaming of sipping chai on a misty balcony or channeling your inner mountain goat on a trek, a trip to the hills is always a good idea. That is, unless you forget to pack socks and end up buying overpriced monkey-proof hoodies in a panic.
To save you from becoming the next travel meme, here are 10 things you must consider before heading to the hills.
WeatherHill weather can flip faster than you can imagine. Sunny mornings, foggy afternoons, and a thunderstorm just for drama. Always check the forecast — and pack for two seasons, minimum. Remember that “light drizzle” could mean a full-blown monsoon situation with landslides, soggy jeans, and regret.
Read more: Skip Jaipur and Udaipur, and visit Bundi, the hidden gem of Rajasthan
Altitude issueHigher altitudes mean thinner air, mood swings, and breathlessness that’s not just from the view. If you’re going above 7,000 ft, take it easy on day one. Your lungs will thank you. Skip the sprint to the summit on day one. Try walking like a dreamy slow-mo hero instead.
Book in a dvance Sure, being spontaneous sounds cool. Until you’re room-hunting at 9 PM with patchy Wi-Fi and judgmental locals. Hill stations get packed, especially on long weekends — don’t risk being that person curled up on a bench with their backpack as a pillow.
Travel s icknessHill roads are scenic… and also full of hairpin bends that your stomach might not love. If motion sickness is your nemesis, come armed with meds, mint gum, and prayers.
ClothesThat strappy top may work on Instagram, but in the hills, you will be crying for a borrowed shawl. Dress in layers — it’s all about staying warm while pretending you’re not freezing for that perfect photo.
Connectivity , or lack of itWi-Fi in hill stations is like spotting a snow leopard, rare and mostly mythical. Don’t plan Zoom meetings or Netflix marathons. Embrace the digital detox. Talk to actual humans. Shocking, we know.
FootwearLeave the heels and slippery loafers at home. Hills means walking, climbing, slipping, and possibly running from curious cows. Pack grippy, comfy shoes. Your ankles deserve love too.
Read more: 5 wildlife sanctuaries in India for Shutterbugs who love the wild side
Local e ats vs. s tomach f eatsMaggi at 6,000 ft hits differently. But also, so does unfiltered water and undercooked momo fillings. Go wild with local food, but go cautious, especially with street stalls.
Cash is k ingThat adorable mountain café? Might not take your card. The cute souvenir shop? Definitely doesn’t. Many hill towns still operate on good old-fashioned cash. Hit the ATM before you go off-grid.
Respect the h ills
Don’t litter, don’t blast music like you're DJ Hilltop, and don’t feed the monkeys unless you want to see chaos unfold. Be a polite visitor. The hills don’t like drama unless it’s in the clouds.
A trip to the hills can be magical, refreshing, and Instagram-worthy — but only if you plan smart. So layer up, pack wisely, and bring your sense of humour, you’ll need it on those bumpy roads. The mountains are calling, just don’t forget your socks.
To save you from becoming the next travel meme, here are 10 things you must consider before heading to the hills.
WeatherHill weather can flip faster than you can imagine. Sunny mornings, foggy afternoons, and a thunderstorm just for drama. Always check the forecast — and pack for two seasons, minimum. Remember that “light drizzle” could mean a full-blown monsoon situation with landslides, soggy jeans, and regret.
Read more: Skip Jaipur and Udaipur, and visit Bundi, the hidden gem of Rajasthan
Altitude issueHigher altitudes mean thinner air, mood swings, and breathlessness that’s not just from the view. If you’re going above 7,000 ft, take it easy on day one. Your lungs will thank you. Skip the sprint to the summit on day one. Try walking like a dreamy slow-mo hero instead.
Book in a dvance Sure, being spontaneous sounds cool. Until you’re room-hunting at 9 PM with patchy Wi-Fi and judgmental locals. Hill stations get packed, especially on long weekends — don’t risk being that person curled up on a bench with their backpack as a pillow.
Travel s icknessHill roads are scenic… and also full of hairpin bends that your stomach might not love. If motion sickness is your nemesis, come armed with meds, mint gum, and prayers.
ClothesThat strappy top may work on Instagram, but in the hills, you will be crying for a borrowed shawl. Dress in layers — it’s all about staying warm while pretending you’re not freezing for that perfect photo.
Connectivity , or lack of itWi-Fi in hill stations is like spotting a snow leopard, rare and mostly mythical. Don’t plan Zoom meetings or Netflix marathons. Embrace the digital detox. Talk to actual humans. Shocking, we know.
FootwearLeave the heels and slippery loafers at home. Hills means walking, climbing, slipping, and possibly running from curious cows. Pack grippy, comfy shoes. Your ankles deserve love too.
Read more: 5 wildlife sanctuaries in India for Shutterbugs who love the wild side
Local e ats vs. s tomach f eatsMaggi at 6,000 ft hits differently. But also, so does unfiltered water and undercooked momo fillings. Go wild with local food, but go cautious, especially with street stalls.
Cash is k ingThat adorable mountain café? Might not take your card. The cute souvenir shop? Definitely doesn’t. Many hill towns still operate on good old-fashioned cash. Hit the ATM before you go off-grid.
Respect the h ills
Don’t litter, don’t blast music like you're DJ Hilltop, and don’t feed the monkeys unless you want to see chaos unfold. Be a polite visitor. The hills don’t like drama unless it’s in the clouds.
A trip to the hills can be magical, refreshing, and Instagram-worthy — but only if you plan smart. So layer up, pack wisely, and bring your sense of humour, you’ll need it on those bumpy roads. The mountains are calling, just don’t forget your socks.
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