Things To Do
in Kasumpti

A steamed wheat dough bun often stuffed with lentils or poppy seed mixture, traditionally steamed and best found in family-run kitchens and local sweet shops.

Must-Try!

A tangy lamb curry made with mustard oil and yogurt, common in Himachali homes and available in regional restaurants around Shimla.

A festive multi-course meal served at special occasions featuring rice, rajma, madra (a lentil/potato preparation) and sweet rice; some local eateries offer simplified versions.

Traditional kahwa (green tea with spices and almonds) and masala chai are ubiquitous — try them at local cafes and stalls for warming mountain flavors.

Street vendors and small stalls near Mall Road sell momos, pakoras, roasted corn, local sweets and hot tea — perfect for quick bites while sightseeing.

Small markets in and around Kasumpti sell seasonal produce, local apples, honey and homemade pickles — great for sampling fresh mountain ingredients.

A polite 'Namaste' with folded hands is widely used; a handshake is acceptable in urban settings but be mindful of local conservatism, especially with the opposite gender in rural areas.

Remove shoes before entering temples or homes, dress modestly, and ask permission before photographing people or religious rituals.

Show deference to elders and local customs; addressing older locals politely and using formal language is appreciated.

Avoid littering, use designated waste bins or carry waste back with you; mountain ecology is fragile and locals value cleanliness.

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. For restaurants, 5–10% is common if service charge isn’t included; tip hotel staff (porters Rs 20–50), drivers (Rs 50–200 for day trips) and guides (depends on service quality).

Cash (Indian rupees) is widely used, especially in small shops, markets and remote spots. Major hotels, restaurants and some shops accept cards and UPI; mobile payment apps are increasingly common in Shimla but keep cash for Kasumpti’s smaller vendors.

(March–June) Pleasant and mild; daytime temperatures are comfortable (15–25°C), making it the high season for sightseeing and outdoor walks. Expect clearer skies and busy tourist spots, especially in April–May.

(July–September) Heavy rainfall can make roads slippery and increase chances of landslides on some routes; trails may be muddy but the landscape is lush and waterfalls are at their best. Travel plans should allow flexibility during heavy rains.

(October–November) Stable weather, clear skies and crisp air — an excellent time for hiking and photography with fewer crowds compared with summer.

(December–February) Cold with possible snowfall in and around Shimla and higher elevations; temperatures can drop below freezing at night. Expect some road disruptions but excellent snow scenery and quieter streets.

Vegetarian food is readily available — many dishes are lentil- or vegetable-based; always specify 'pure vegetarian' if avoiding egg or ghee. Local restaurants and dhabas usually accommodate vegetarian requests.

Dairy is common in Himachali cooking (ghee, paneer, yogurt). Ask cooks to omit ghee, butter and paneer; availabilty may be limited in smaller eateries, so carry snacks if strict.

Rice and lentils are staples and usually safe; wheat-based breads like chapati and siddu are common, so request rice-based alternatives and confirm ingredients at small establishments.

Use bottled or boiled water, avoid uncooked salads from street vendors if you have a sensitive stomach, and choose busy stalls with high turnover for fresher food.