Snowfall reported across major mountain passes
Continuous snowfall has been reported since late Thursday at several high-altitude locations, including Shinku La Pass, Baralacha Pass and Kunzum Top. Snowfall has also begun in the higher reaches of Manali, according to reports received from the region.
The fresh spell of snow has sharply affected road conditions across the mountainous district. Police said the routes have become unsafe for vehicular movement, leading to restrictions on traffic towards several passes and remote locations.
An advisory issued on Friday confirmed that vehicular movement towards Shinku La and Baralacha passes had been suspended. Traffic towards Kunzum Top has also been stopped, while the road leading to Chhatru has been closed.
Multiple roads shut following deteriorating conditions
The snowfall has affected connectivity across several stretches in Lahaul and Spiti. Roads connecting Rohtang to Koksar, Darcha to Sarchu, Gramphu to Batal, Losar to Batal and Rohli to Kadhu Nullah have also been closed.
Police said that in emergency situations, only four-wheel-drive vehicles fitted with appropriate snow chains may be allowed to move through affected stretches. Such permission will depend on an assessment of prevailing road and weather conditions.
Vehicular movement in the Manali region is also being restricted beyond Gulaba, adding to the travel restrictions across the popular hill destination.
Police urge tourists to avoid high-altitude travel
The district administration and police have advised the general public, including tourists, to follow official instructions and avoid travelling to high-altitude areas until weather and road conditions become safer.
Authorities have emphasised the risks associated with driving through snow-covered mountain roads, where deteriorating conditions can make vehicle movement hazardous. Travellers have been urged not to disregard road closures or attempt to reach restricted locations.
The advisory comes as snowfall continues across the region, with conditions likely to remain challenging in the affected areas.
Fresh snowfall raises tourism expectations
Despite the disruption to road traffic, the snowfall has generated excitement among tourism stakeholders in Himachal Pradesh. Videos showing fresh snow have circulated on social media, raising expectations of increased tourist arrivals in the coming days.
Monty, who is associated with adventure tourism in Manali, said visitors from the plains, particularly Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR), had already been travelling to Himachal Pradesh to escape post-Diwali air pollution.
He expressed the expectation that the latest snowfall would make the state's hill destinations more attractive to tourists and could further boost visitor numbers.
The fresh snowfall is expected to add to the appeal of popular mountain destinations, although travel restrictions may affect access to some locations in the immediate term.
Weather department forecasts wet conditions until November 15
The Shimla meteorological office had issued a yellow alert on Thursday, warning of thunderstorms and lightning at isolated places in Himachal Pradesh on Friday and Saturday.
The weather office had also forecast a wet spell across the state until November 15. The forecast suggests that weather-related disruptions may continue over the next few days, particularly in higher-altitude areas.
With snowfall affecting several mountain passes and roads already closed, authorities are continuing to advise caution. Tourists planning to visit Manali, Lahaul and Spiti or other high-altitude destinations should check the latest official traffic and weather updates before beginning their journeys.
