Traveling in the snowy regions of India in winter can be both beautiful and dangerous. Tips like weather knowledge, warm clothing, safe driving, hydration and emergency kits can make your trip safer, more comfortable and risk-free.
Winter Travel Safety Tips: With the arrival of winter, snow-capped mountain regions of India – such as Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jammu and Kashmir and Sikkim – see a surge in tourists. The white blanket of snow and the beauty of the hill stations attract the tourists, but due to frequent heavy snowfall, sub-zero temperature and closure of roads, the difficulties of the travelers increase further. Every year, a large number of tourists have to face problems like cold, slippery, bad weather and vehicle getting stuck. In such a situation, safe travel becomes not only an adventure but also a responsibility. If you are going to a snow-clad mountain this winter, some important safety tips can make your trip safe, comfortable and risk-free.
Always check weather updates
- In snow covered areas the weather can change within minutes.
- Check IMD or local weather updates before travelling.
- Find out about heavy snowfall, avalanche alerts and road closures.
- Avoid unnecessary traveling in bad weather.
- It is important to wear warm clothes.
- Winters in the mountains are colder than in the plains.
- thermal inner
waterproof jacket
- Woolen cap, muffler, gloves
- Woolen socks and non-slip boots
- Wear layers of clothing to keep your body warm.
- Be careful on slippery places.
- Once frozen, surfaces become slippery.
- Wear shoes with anti-slip soles.
don’t walk fast
- Be especially careful on black ice.
- Walking while looking at a camera/phone increases the risk of falling.
- Keep the body warm and hydrated.
- You may feel less thirsty in winter, but your body needs more energy.
- Keep drinking hot water.
- Have soup, hot drinks or tea.
- Don’t stay hungry for long.
- Take breaks in between and avoid staying in cold winds for too long.
- Take special care while traveling by car.
- Driving in snowy areas is very risky.
fix tire chain
- brake slowly
- Avoid sudden turns or high speed
- Always keep your fog lights on
- The safest option is to take a car with a local driver.
Stay updated about road blocks and rescues
- Roads remain closed after snowfall in Himachal, Kashmir and Uttarakhand.
- Before travelling, check Twitter or helpline of SDM/Tourism/Police.
- Do not travel on risky routes without permission from the force.
- Do not travel in high altitude areas at night.
Take care of your oxygen level and health
- Oxygen level decreases as altitude increases.
- Elderly, children and asthma/heart patients should exercise caution.
- AMS (altitude sickness) can cause confusion, headache and difficulty breathing.
- In such cases, it is better to descend the mountain.
Always carry an emergency kit
These things are very useful in emergency
- flashlight
- power bank
- first aid box
- glucose or chocolate
- waterproof cover
- local map
- extra warm clothes
Maintain a safe distance while taking photos
- Many tourists go to dangerous shores while taking photographs.
- Keep distance from mountain sides
- Do not walk on frozen lakes/rivers
- Avoid taking selfies in risky areas.
- Follow local guides and rules
- Local people know the area and weather best.
follow their advice
- Do not travel on closed roads
- Follow the instructions of the army/police.
Also read- Women must enjoy solo travel in the New Year, explore these 4 safe places