Hill stations are beautiful; the clean air, misty mountains and slow pace are certainly a welcome change from the congested city life. To ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip, here’s what you need to pack if you are headed to a hill station.

Warm clothes:

Warm clothes

This does not come as a surprise. Hill stations are known for their cold climate. The most important item on the packing list is warm clothes. Make sure you check the temperature and select your clothing based on your needs or based on the clothing worn by the locals in the hill station. The key is to add layers; keep your head and neck covered and wear some comfortable clothing underneath the heavy jackets. A good knit cap and scarf can make all the difference. If it’s super cold, you can carry thermals which will keep you warm by trapping heat underneath the clothes.

Medicines:

medicines

A first-aid kit is important no matter where you travel. With all the rocky slopes and extreme temperatures, you have to extra-cautious with your health. if you are allergic to anything, carry the necessary antidote. A lot of mountain roads are winding, so if you have motion sickness, take an anti-nausea pill before you get into a vehicle. Also, don’t forget to carry medication for altitude sickness.

Shoes:

shoes

Along with warm clothes, shoes also protect you from the chilly weather. Thick shoes that are built to withstand the steep slopes and spike boots to climb mountains is what you need. If you are travelling to a destination where it snows, it is recommended that you carry snow boots that prevent you from slipping.

Skincare:

skincare

Cold climate causes the skin to dry out. Lip balms, moisturisers and body lotions help regain the moisture. In high altitudes, the direct rays of the sun can severely damage your skin. A good sunscreen is a must to reduce tanning and prevent skin cancer.

Sunglasses:

sunglasses

Polarised sunglasses can help cut the glare and haze of the Sun. Even in snowy hill stations, the reflection of light in snow can be harmful to your eyes, which leads to dizziness, headache and snow blindness. If you are trekking or visiting the Himalayas, your need sunglasses and sunscreen that guarantee UV protection.

Umbrella:

umbrella

Whether in a hill station is unpredictable. You might get stuck in the rain or even hail. Carry an umbrella to protect yourself at all times.

Camera:

camera

The best part of a hill station holiday is catching a glimpse of the breathtaking scenery. Carry your camera/phone along with you to turn that pristine beauty into a lifelong memory. Make sure you charge the camera each day with a portable power bank.

Emergency food:

emergency food

Carry packets of biscuits or dry snacks that you can eat in case you are stuck on the mountain roads, or if the nearest restaurant unexpectedly closes before you can fill your tummy. This also comes handy if you are travelling with children who are constantly hungry and cannot wait until the next meal.

Flashlight:

flashlight

One thing that easily gets overlooked is a flashlight. Hill stations are prone to power cuts; some of them don’t have street lights or have very dim ones. If you are out past sundown, it is better to be safe than sorry. Do carry a flashlight. Yes, most modern smartphones have a flashlight in them, but what good is it if your battery runs out after shooting those hundreds of beautiful pictures. A good old traditional flashlight can save the day.

These are the basic necessities that any avid traveller would pack when travelling to a hill station. If you plan to visit some of South India’s best hill stations, do book a stay with Sterling Holidays