Prices, timing and a skin plan that suits Shimla.
Peak: April to June, and October to November. Quiet: January and February, when snow blocks roads.
Pahadi Himachali families with their own dham feast tradition, plus destination couples from Delhi and Chandigarh.
Cold, thin, dry mountain air. Cheeks go red and windburnt, and lips crack in a day.
Soft water, but supply is limited in peak season.
Altitude makes the skin lose water fast. Start a heavier night cream two weeks before you travel up, not on arrival, or the base will cling to dry patches.
Heritage hotels on the Mall, and resorts in Mashobra and Kufri.
Bride's own makeup and hair on the wedding day: about Rs 10000 to Rs 45000. Family or party makeup: about Rs 3000 to Rs 10000. A full pre-bridal package: about Rs 4500 to Rs 18000. These are ranges people actually pay, not quotes.