If something goes wrong
Tourist helpline
The official numbers first, because in a genuine emergency you should not be reading a website. Ours is below them, for the things that are a problem rather than an emergency.
Official government numbers · free · 24 hours
- 112All emergencies (police, fire, ambulance)Single national emergency number, 24×7
- 1363National tourist helplineMinistry of Tourism, multilingual, 24×7
- 108AmbulanceFree emergency ambulance across Himachal Pradesh
- 1091Women’s helpline24×7
- 1077District disaster helplineKangra district control room
These are public services operated by Indian government bodies. They are not operated by Palampur Properties and we make no claim over them.
Our visitor line
For the things that are not emergencies but still ruin a trip — a property that is not what was described, a driver overcharging, a road you are unsure about, or simply nowhere to sleep tonight.
What to do when
The property is not what was described
Photograph the room before you unpack, including anything that differs from what you were promised. Raise it with the owner immediately and in writing on WhatsApp — a conversation you can show later is worth far more than one you can only describe. If it cannot be resolved, the national tourist helpline on 1363 takes complaints against tourism businesses.
You have nowhere to sleep tonight
This happens more than people admit, usually when a booking evaporates or a road closes. Palampur town and Maranda have the deepest supply and are your best bet after dark; Bir fills completely in flying season. Do not drive up towards Billing or onto ridge roads looking for a room at night.
A driver is overcharging
Agree the fare before the journey starts, ideally on WhatsApp so it is in writing. If you are already in dispute, pay what was agreed and take the vehicle number. Local taxi unions take reputational complaints seriously and the district tourism office can route one.
The weather turns
Monsoon landslides and winter snow both close roads in this valley with very little notice. Call 1077 for the district control room before committing to a mountain route, tell someone your plan, and accept that an extra night where you are is always cheaper than a night on a blocked road.
Someone is unwell at altitude
Palampur at 1,220 metres is not high enough to cause altitude sickness, but Billing at 2,400 metres can affect people who have come up quickly. Descend, do not push on, and call 108 for an ambulance if symptoms are more than mild.
Helpline: common questions
What is the emergency number in Himachal Pradesh?
Dial 112 anywhere in India, including Himachal Pradesh. It is the single emergency number covering police, fire and ambulance, and it works from any mobile phone, on any network, with or without a SIM balance.
Who do I call if a hotel in Palampur refuses to return my advance?
Contact the district tourism office in Kangra and the national tourist helpline on 1363, which handles complaints against tourism businesses. Keep every message and receipt. Payments made by bank transfer or UPI leave a record that materially improves your position.
What should I do if the road to my stay is blocked by snow or a landslide?
Call the district disaster control room on 1077 before attempting the route, and tell your property you are delayed. Roads above Bir towards Billing and on the ridges above Palampur close first. Do not attempt a blocked mountain road after dark.
Is there a tourist police in Palampur?
Himachal Pradesh Police handle tourist matters through the regular district police. Dial 112 for anything urgent. For non-urgent complaints against a tourism business, the national tourist helpline 1363 is the better route.