Heavy snowfall in Manali, Himachal Pradesh, on Monday turned the winter wonderland into chaos, leaving around 1,000 vehicles stuck and tourists stranded for hours between Solang and Atal Tunnel in Rohtang. Police rescued around 700 tourists and moved them to safety, officials said.
Visuals from the area captured police helping travelers and drivers navigate through the heavy snowfall, as local authorities managed rescue efforts. The surge of tourists visiting to celebrate Christmas and New Year in the snow-covered mountains has further intensified the situation.
Tourists flock to Manali from December to February for the snow-covered mountains, but the heavy snowfall turned into a headache for both visitors and authorities. While Manali faced logistical challenges in clearing the snow, Shimla was blanketed in fresh snow, bringing renewed joy to the city.
The enchanting snowfall, which followed a two-week gap since December 8, has delighted visitors and revitalized the local tourism industry, helping it recover from the losses caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Captivated by the snow-covered hills, tourists are extending their stays, turning this season into one of joy and celebration. The unexpected snowfall has brought excitement to those hoping for a “White Christmas.” Many tourists who planned to leave have chosen to stay, enjoying Shimla’s wintry charm. Local businesses, especially in tourism and hospitality, are optimistic about an extended season and are eager to make the most of the enchanting winter weather.
Tourists from across the country are thrilled by the snowfall, describing it as a “once-in-a-lifetime experience.” A tourist from Haryana shared with media, “The snowfall is such a beautiful sight. The weather is amazing. We didn’t expect this, but when we woke up this morning, there was snow. We were planning to leave, but now we’ve decided to stay longer. This is the first snowfall I’ve ever seen, and it’s a lifetime experience for me.”