Thaindian News

Shimla, Aug 13 (IANS) If you are heading to Himachal Pradesh this extended weekend, beware: the weatherman is predicting heavy rains.

Nearly 100,000 tourists, mainly from north India, are expected to make it to the hill state during the three-day break ending Monday, India’s independence day.

The government has warned tourists not to venture near rivers and streams as the Satluj, Beas and Yamuna rivers and their tributaries are already in spate.

Motorists are being told to be cautious while driving in the interiors as chances of road cave-ins and landslides are high.

Police data shows that every year five to six deaths involving tourists are reported in and around Manali. Minor incidents go unreported.

Two Chandigarh-based college students drowned in a stream near Parwanoo in Solan district Friday.

If you are keen for some adventure and want to holiday in the hills of Himachal, here are some tips:

- Plan your trip in advance. Check on road conditions and whether they are open.

- Most picturesque destinations in Kinnaur, Chamba, Lahaul and Spiti and Kullu are at high altitudes. During monsoon, carry woollens, jackets and even eatables as you may get stranded on roads — for days.

- If in a four-wheeler, have an extra driver, if you plan to drive at night.

- High mountains, though beautiful, are rugged, cold and inhospitable and no place for an inexperienced or ill-equipped trekker. In most cases, trekkers die from high-altitude sickness or after slipping off tracks. So prefer to trek in small groups with the help of local guides.