Fresh coat of Snow brings hope to Himachal’s tourism sector

Himachalscape bureau February 5, 2025 3 minutes read

Photo used for indicative purpose only. Source; Internet

Shimla, Feb 5,

Contents

After a prolonged dry spell, the hospitality industry in Himachal Pradesh is set for a revival as popular tourist destinations receive fresh snowfall, attracting visitors back to the region. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), widespread rain and snowfall were recorded across the state over the past 24 hours, with major tourist hubs such as Manali, Kufri, and Narkanda experiencing fresh precipitation. The best part of the inclement weather is that road connectivity to key destinations remains intact, ensuring uninterrupted access for tourists.

Snowfall covered many parts of the state, enhancing the winter appeal of popular tourist spots. Kothi in Kullu received the highest snowfall at 33 cm (1 ft), while Manali recorded 7.4 cm, Jot 6 cm, Kalpa 5.1 cm, Kufri and Narkanda 4 cm each, and Shillaroo and Khadrala 5 cm each. In higher altitudes, Gondla recorded 11 cm, Keylong 9 cm, Kukumseri 8.3 cm, and Bharmaur 8 cm of snow, further intensifying the winter conditions.

Shimla recorded 16.2 mm of rainfall, while several other regions experienced moderate to heavy rain, leading to slippery roads in high-altitude areas. The highest rainfall was recorded in Salooni (44.3 mm) in Chamba, followed by Kasol (30 mm) in Kullu, Karsog (24.3 mm) in Mandi, Bhuntar (21.4 mm) in Kullu, and Jogindernagar (19 mm) in Mandi. Other notable rainfall figures include Banjar (18.2 mm), Gohar (16 mm), and Kandaghat (13 mm).

The minimum temperatures across Himachal Pradesh varied significantly, with Tabo recording the lowest at -4.3°C, while Una recorded the highest maximum temperature at 25°C. Other key temperatures included Shimla at 3.3°C, Manali at 0.3°C, Kalpa at -1°C, Keylong at -4.2°C, and Kufri at 4°C. Dharamshala registered 4.8°C, while Mandi and Bilaspur recorded relatively milder conditions at 10°C each.

It is noteworthy that the fresh snowfall has made roads slippery in several regions, leading to advisories for motorists. Thunderstorms with lightning were reported in Shimla, Jubberhatti, Kangra, Sundernagar, Bhuntar, Jot, and Palampur, while dense fog reduced visibility to 500 meters in Bilaspur and 800 meters in Mandi, creating travel difficulties. The Lahaul-Spiti administration has issued a cautionary advisory, urging residents and tourists to avoid unnecessary travel in snow-covered areas. Several roads remain blocked due to heavy snow accumulation, including Keylong to Darcha, Koksar to Manali via Rohtang (NH-003), and Kaza to Losar. Additionally, routes such as Darcha to Shinkula (towards Kargil), Darcha to Sarchu (NH-003, Leh), and Udaipur to Tindi (Kadhu Nullah) also remain closed due to heavy snowfall.

Despite travel challenges in certain high-altitude regions, the snowfall has provided a much-needed boost to the tourism and hospitality sector, which had been struggling due to a decline in visitors. With snow-covered landscapes in Kufri, Narkanda, and Manali, hoteliers and travel operators are optimistic about a surge in tourist arrivals. According to the IMD, scattered rainfall and thunderstorms with lightning may continue in some areas, with dense fog likely in isolated locations. However, weather conditions are expected to turn dry from February 6, with no major precipitation forecast for the coming days.

Authorities have urged travelers to stay updated on weather advisories and road conditions, as fresh snowfall has made roads treacherous in high-altitude areas. This latest spell of snowfall has once again positioned Himachal Pradesh as a prime winter tourism destination, bringing renewed hope to the region’s hospitality industry.

Himachalscape bureau

Administrator

The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.

View All Posts

Himachalscape bureau