The mountains beckon! You are planning a trip to Manali, dreaming of the beauty of deep green valleys, majestic snow peaks, forested hill slopes, enchanting meadows, and clean mountain air. But, before you relax in the picturesque surroundings, there are a few things you should remember to make the most of your trip to this mountainous region:

Keep an eye on the weather
Pack your clothes based on the season. Full-sleeved t-shirts, a light woollen, and cotton socks would suffice in the summer. However, you should always carry a wind-cheater because the temperature in the hills can change at any time. Warm sweaters, mufflers, leg warmers, gloves, and thermals should be packed during the winter. By wearing a colourful beanie that covers your ears, you can stay warm while also looking fashionable. The rainy season necessitates extreme caution. The roads become slick, the likelihood of landslides increases, and activities in the hills come to a halt. If you are visiting Manali during the monsoon season, make sure you travel with an experienced driver, have basic food and water storage, and avoid activities such as trekking, camping, and so on that could be dangerous. And, of course, bring a raincoat and umbrellas, and be prepared for a cold spell right after the rains.

Stay Prepared – Items You Must Carry
When planning a trip to the beautiful mountains of Manali, make sure to include the following items on your itinerary. After all, it is better to be prepared than to be sorry when the time comes.

Sunglasses with Polarization – At higher altitudes, the sun can be harsh. Also, polarised sunglasses are required if it snows or if you want to see the snow-capped mountains in bright sunlight, such as when visiting Rohtang Pass. Make sure to include them in your kit.

Good Rubber Soled Shoes – If you want to enjoy trekking in the mountains, whether on steep inclines or snowy foothills, your feet must be comfortable. Bring comfortable rubber-soled shoes to avoid strained or sprained feet.

Mufflers and gloves – They keep you warm and prevent you from becoming ill.

A Stock of Medicines – In addition to any medication you are already taking, you should keep general medicines for nausea, headache, diarrhoea, and so on with you. In the hills, finding a chemist or dispensary can be difficult.

Understand Permits and IDs
Before check-in, all resorts and hotels in Manali will require government-issued identification. When travelling, always keep your identification with you. Keep a soft copy of important documents on your phone in case of loss or emergency.
Some attractions and places may require special permissions to visit, photograph, or film. For example, a permit is required to photograph Chail Palace in Chail (if you intend to travel to Manali via this route) or to visit Rohtang Pass in Manali.
In addition, before engaging in an adventure activity, you should notify local authorities such as the SDM, Police, and Tourist Office, and obtain any necessary permissions. When applying for permits, you must always present your ID.

Keep Emergency Contact Information on Hand
Mountain regions are unpredictable, and phone connectivity may be erratic in some areas, particularly as you approach Rohtang Pass, and even in areas such as Old Manali or Kasol side. Furthermore, amenities are not as easily accessible as they are in the city. Keep emergency contact information in your phone, such as police, ambulance, dispensary/hospital in the area, district control room, and tourism information office, for use in an emergency. Keep your hotel/driver contact information on hand for your family members in case of an emergency or loss of connectivity.

Follow the Travel Regulations
Avoid driving late at night in the hills due to low visibility and safety concerns. Make sure your driver has experience driving on difficult hilly routes. If you bring your own car, make sure it is in good condition. If you are driving yourself, you should be familiar with slopes and hill driving rules. Make sure to follow the basic rules of hill driving.

Before overtaking, look for traffic signs indicating bends or narrow bridges. Before overtaking, keep a close eye on the vehicle in front for any signs of speed change.
Climb hills in lower gears. When descending, you must choose an appropriate safe speed, then shift into a low gear, and use proper and judicious braking techniques.

It is dangerous to brake in a curve. It is recommended that you slow down to avoid spinning out of control.

Always stay in the right lane when approaching a bend. It aids in avoiding head-on collisions.

If you are driving, make sure you have checked with your Manali hotel about parking space availability.

Keep these suggestions in mind as you plan your Manali vacation to ensure a smooth and trouble-free trip.