Snowfall Draws Thousands To Manali, But Traffic Chaos Dampens Holiday Spirit

As the year draws to a close, Himachal Pradesh becomes one of the most popular destinations for travellers seeking to immerse themselves in the festive spirit. This picturesque state, located in the Himalayas, is incredibly vibrant this season, with its charming hill stations buzzing with Christmas and New Year celebrations activity. The snowfall that blankets the region in pristine white adds a magical touch, drawing visitors to places like Manali, Shimla, and Dharamshala. In Manali, a recent heavy snowfall has significantly increased the number of tourists flocking to this winter hotspot. Unfortunately, this surge in visitors has resulted in hundreds of vehicles being stuck in long traffic jams on the way to Manali.

Tourists And Traffic Chaos

Last week, over 30,000 tourists flocked to Manali. With the New Year festivities approaching, authorities anticipate an influx of an additional 20,000 visitors. The authorities have made special arrangements to manage traffic chaos. A separate Volvo bus station has been introduced, and strict vehicle regulations are now in place for the Atal Tunnel, allowing only four-seater vehicles.

To manage traffic effectively, police divided Manali into eight zones. Many vehicles were stuck, leaving tourists stranded between Solang and the Atal Tunnel in Rohtang. Reports highlight that nearly 1,000 vehicles were trapped in traffic chaos, prompting local authorities to launch rescue operations. Police personnel actively assisted travellers, with news reports confirming that approximately 700 tourists were successfully relocated to safe areas.

Safety Precautions

On December 27, places in Lahaul-Spiti and the upper reaches of Manali experienced snowfall, drawing numerous tourists to the Solang Valley, Rohtang Pass, and Atal Tunnel regions.

If you're considering a trip to the area, staying informed about the weather is crucial. Authorities have reported that a Western Disturbance is active in the region, likely leading to snowfall in Manali over the next 48 hours—ranging from light to heavy.

This adverse weather could significantly impact traffic conditions. Additionally, dense fog and freezing temperatures make the roads slippery and dangerous. Tourists are advised to exercise extreme caution while driving and to avoid high-speed manoeuvres, especially in areas like Kufri, Narkanda, Solang Valley, and near the Atal Tunnel, where skidding incidents have been reported.

Overtourism And Its Impact

Tourist destinations like Manali have always attracted large numbers of visitors. However, the hill station and surrounding areas struggle to accommodate the influx of lakhs of tourists during the peak season. While the crowds benefit those in the hospitality industry, overtourism is causing numerous issues that affect the fragile ecosystem and the lives of local residents. Check here for our story on over-tourism and its impact on Darjeeling, a popular hill station in the Eastern Himalayas.