As a treasure hidden in the mountains of Himachal Pradesh's Lahaul Valley, Sissu Lake is a haven for nature lovers and adventurers. While the pristine lake with its picturesque surroundings promise a magical experience for visitors, several of them unknowingly commit common mistakes that can dampen their trip. Here are a few errors to avoid while visiting Sissu Lake to ensure a smooth journey for your memorable visit.
1. Visitation during inappropriate seasons
The biggest mistake most travelers make is not checking the best time to visit.
One of the summers or so it is called in Maharashtra is very ideal, with the beauty of pleasant weather and lush greenery all around. Winter during October to March gives you a treat of snowfall but will make your journey tough. Monsoon (July to September) brings landslide risks, and roads get very slippery, which may hamper your travel plans.
Tip: Make your visit during summers or even during early winter for the best experience.
2. Poor Preparation for High Altitude
Sissu Lake is at a high altitude. A few tourists fall prey to the problem of altitude sickness because of lesser air pressure here. Headaches, nausea, and fatigue can be hazardous for spoiling your whole trip.
Tip: Rest and acclimatize before visiting the lake. Hydrate yourself properly, don't consume alcohol, and carry medication if required.
3. Not Checking the Weather
Mountain weather is always unpredictable and really changes fast. If you do not check the forecast, you might be in for a few unpleasant surprises - sudden rains or snowstorms.
Tip: Always check the weather conditions a day or two before your trip and always carry extra layers of clothing in case you experience some untimely cold.
4. Overpacking or Underpacking
The other common mistake is to pack the wrong items. Some passengers carry unnecessary luggage that weighs them down, while others forget to carry some of the essential items such as warm clothes or sunscreen.
TIP: Pack light but not so light that you're not packing basics such as good shoes, warm jacket, sunscreen, and a first-aid kit.
5. Oversights the Local Transportation
Most tourists think hiring a cab to visit Sissu Lake. It's convenient, but budget-friendly buses and shared taxis are also readily available. You may end up spending too much money by avoiding those.
Tip: Plan and research local transport options beforehand for an affordable trip.
6. Missing Attractions Near the Place
Many visitors just focus on Sissu Lake, lose it, and then miss the gorgeous Sissu Waterfall or even the really charming little village of Sissu, which provides some other exciting cultural and natural experiences.
Tip: To make a proper trip, spend some of your time to explore the waterfall, the village, and local foods.
7. Lack of Respect towards Nature
Sissu Lake is a genuinely pristine natural destination, yet some tourists litter or disrupt the local wildlife, thus polluting and ruining the trip for others.
Tip: Always be an eco-friendly tourist. Be sure to take your rubbish back home with you and refrain from troubling the local flora and fauna.
8. Setting Out Too Late
Most travelers are likely to underestimate time spent in Sissu, thus doing the trip in the afternoon. In all this, they will end up being either short of time or miss out on some points of attraction.
Tip: Do the trip in the morning to capitalize on the pretty road trip and spend some quality time at the beautiful lake and other attractions around the area.
9. Lack of Inclusive or Sufficient Food and Water
The area around Sissu Lake is very sparsely populated as far as food items are concerned, and not carrying snacks and water can bring about hunger and dehydration.
Pro Tip: Pack light snacks, a refillable water bottle, and some energy bars to keep you fueled throughout the trip.
10. Violating Safety Precautions
Travelers, in most cases, forget to use the basic safety measures, like no proper footwear or ignoring slippery ways by the lake side. This can cause small accidents or discomforts.
Tip : Sturdy shoes with a good grip while walking around the lake, especially during winter or monsoon.
