Himachal Pradesh Overview

Fast Facts

Main Languages: English and Hindi are the official languages, so all public notification signs be it road signs or others are usually displayed with notices and directions using both. Pahari is widely spoken but most locals understand Hindi quite well. Shopkeepers in cities and big towns would understand English to an extent.

When to Go: The ideal time to visit the state is during summer, from April to July. From mid July to mid September the state is usually gripped by monsoons, causing major landslides, which make road travel difficult. Few areas of the state also witness snowfall between late December and mid February.

Local Transport: The mountainous terrain in Himachal Pradesh does not allow for too many transport options. While major cities like Shimla and Manali have functional airports nearby, these are usually not operational during harsh weather conditions. Railway lines connect only towns that lie in the foothills, however, to go beyond that, roads are the only means. For remote areas the frequency of buses is low. Taxis can easily be hired at all major towns and cities

Currency: Indian Rupee (INR) 1 USD is approximately 48 INR

Voltage: 230V / 50Hz

Time Zone: Indian Standard Time (UTC +5:30)