Why winter travel across high Snow passes can turn fatal
Keylong, Jan 14,
A dramatic rescue operation carried out in the icy wilderness of Lahaul-Spiti has once again underlined why travelling across high-altitude snow passes in winter can be life-threatening.
Battling bone-chilling temperatures plunging between minus 25°C and minus 30°C, rescue teams on Monday saved four stranded tourists from a remote snowbound stretch in the district. Officials involved in the operation said the tourists had ventured into an extremely hostile zone where survival chances diminish rapidly due to severe cold, deep snow and isolation.
Authorities said such incidents reflect a worrying trend, particularly among young travellers, who ignore repeated warnings and enter restricted or no-man areas in search of adventure. “Each such rescue places not only the tourists but also our personnel at grave risk,” an official said, adding that avalanches, whiteouts and frozen terrain make operations slow, dangerous and unpredictable.
Several high-altitude routes in Lahaul-Spiti remain completely cut off due to heavy snow accumulation, while emergency response becomes increasingly difficult once temperatures drop sharply. Officials stressed that even well-equipped vehicles can fail in such conditions, leaving travellers stranded for days.
In view of the ongoing winter festival season and worsening weather conditions, the district administration has imposed strict restrictions to safeguard lives. Acting on orders of the Sub-Divisional Magistrate, all vehicular movement from Kuthbihal towards Koksar and Sissu has been prohibited, along with tourist activities and the use of loudspeakers in Koksar, Sissu, Dimphuk and Ramthang areas.
The restrictions came into force on January 14, 2026, and will remain applicable until further orders. Vehicles engaged in emergency services and Border Roads Organisation (BRO) work have been exempted.
Meanwhile, the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) has issued a fresh advisory following weather forecasts predicting fresh snowfall from January 16 across Keylong, Udaipur and Kaza. Authorities warned that conditions could deteriorate rapidly over the next few days.
According to the latest road status, the Koksar–Rohtang Pass stretch remains closed, while the Atal Tunnel north portal up to Sissu is open. Roads such as Darcha–Sarchu and Gramphu–Batal are shut, and only limited movement is being allowed on select stretches for 4×4 vehicles fitted with snow chains.
The administration has urged tourists to avoid high snow passes during winter, strictly follow official advisories and understand that in these extreme conditions, thrill-seeking can quickly turn into a fight for survival.
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