A fresh spell of heavy snowfall in Himachal Pradesh’s Manali on Monday has turned the winter wonderland into a logistical nightmare as around 1,000 vehicles got stuck. At the same time, tourists were stranded in their vehicles for hours between Solang and Atal Tunnel in Rohtang.
Tourists relish the snowy landscapes, engaging in activities like snowball fights, sledding, and capturing the scenic beauty of the hills. Many have traveled from neighboring states such as Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi to enjoy the winter charm during the Christmas and New Year seasons.
The influx of tourists arriving to celebrate Christmas and New Year in the snow-covered mountains seems to have added to the situation. India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Tuesday, December 24, predicted cold wave conditions over some parts of India, including Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Gilgit and Punjab, among others.
Tourists often throng the area during the winter days of December to February to witness the snow-clad mountains. While they did get what they were looking for, it also turned out to be a headache, both for them and the authorities working to get them out of the jam.
Tourists, captivated by the beauty of the snow-clad hills, are extending their stay, making this a season of cheer and celebration for all. This unexpected snowfall has infused excitement among those dreaming of a “White Christmas.” Many tourists, initially planning to leave, have decided to stay back, soaking in the wintry charm of Shimla.
Meanwhile, local businesses, particularly in the tourism and hospitality sectors, are optimistic about an extended tourist season, hoping to make the most of this enchanting winter spell.
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