Solo Travel to Himachal Pradesh after Lockdown – How I made it happen.

How was this Pandemic for all you guys?

Hope you all are good at your places and safe.

I know how this Covid thing kept us at home for six months and I'm sure of, that you all must have the same feelings as we all were in the same ocean of lockdown. So, as soon as the lockdown was over and all the govt’s shared their guidelines for tourists, I planned to visit Himachal. Now all I had to is to follow all the guidelines that Himachal Govt has shared. It is mandatory for you to have all of these to make a visit:

1. Covid Test Report

2. Minimum 5 Hotel Bookings

3. E-pass for travelling

4. All vehicle documents

5. Identity Proof

Well, when you once decide to go on wheel, nothing can stop you. So I started gathering all the required documents.

Firstly, I get a prescription from the doctor to get my Covid 19 tested. Then booked an appointment at Drive-thru Covid 19 testing center (to get tested in a safe environment). I got my test report in 12 hours and luckily it was negative. Now had to do the next step, i.e. to apply for Himachal E-pass to enter the state. Bad part is I got stuck while trying to upload my Covid report on Himachal Govt website as that section was not working. I had to contact many Himachal Govt helplines to get the support on that. Finally, it worked, and I uploaded it. (To see how exactly I applied, please check the video below.)

Remember you must enter into Himachal within 72 hours of getting your test done that too only if your report is negative.

As it was the very first trip after lockdown, I decided to travel solo. Now coming to the next step, as per Himachal Pradesh Govt guidelines, I had to book a stay for a minimum of 5 days. I started looking for the properties for staying and luckily booked “Ecstasy Farm Homestay” which was one of the best experience amongst all till date. It was all a perfect package - the location, amazing view, tasty yum food, and most importantly the staff. Its staff is very nice and treated me so well. I was their guest just for 5 days and they everyday sanitized it, checked my temperature to make sure I have no symptoms and also they kept a copy of my Covid 19 test report.

When I reached the Himachal Pradesh boarder, I had to go through very strict checking where they checked my vehicle documents, Covid 19 report, Hotel booking, E-pass, and the ID proof. I would suggest you have some patience as all this is for our safety and the arrangements are amazing. They also have a doctor to check your temperature and may also verify your hotel booking.

Here is the video in where I have captured all the things on what all you need to do, in order to visit Himachal in the pandemic. I have also added all the necessary links at the end of the blog to make your journey easy and smooth.

It was an amazing experience of visiting Himachal as there was no such crowd. In my next blog I will share my whole experience of being in the best of Himachal.

Useful Links:-

Ecstasy Farm Homestay : https://www.airbnb.co.in/rooms/28992495

E-pass for Himachal : Pradesh https://covid19epass.hp.gov.in/applications/epass/apply