Manali, Shimla, Kashmir turn white as heavy snowfall covers key tourist hubs
Popular hill destinations across north India turned white after fresh snowfall on Friday. To begin with, Shimla in Himachal Pradesh received snow after a dry spell of nearly three months. At the same time, Kashmir saw its first major snowfall of the season. Meanwhile, higher reaches of Manali and nearby tourist zones also reported steady snow.
In Shimla, snowfall began early in the day and quickly changed the landscape. As a result, the prolonged dry phase ended. Locals welcomed the snow, but authorities moved fast to manage risks. The district administration issued an advisory and urged residents and tourists to avoid driving. Officials cited slippery roads and low visibility as key concerns.
Soon after, reports confirmed disruptions in upper areas. Snowfall in regions such as Chopal forced the closure of the Chopal–Deha road. Authorities blocked traffic to prevent accidents. Visuals from the area showed thick snow layers on roads and rooftops, highlighting the intensity of the spell.
Earlier, the Shimla Meteorological Centre had warned of severe weather. It issued an orange alert for January 23 across several districts. As forecast, snow and rain hit many parts of the state. The local weather office also warned that intense snowfall and rainfall could continue over the next few days.
According to the forecast, Kullu, Chamba, and Lahaul-Spiti remain under an orange alert. These districts may see heavy snow, rain, thunderstorms, lightning, and strong winds at isolated places. In contrast, the department placed Shimla, Kangra, Mandi, Solan, Sirmour, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Kinnaur, and Una under a yellow alert. These areas may face heavy rain, hailstorms, cold day conditions, and thunderstorms in parts.
Meanwhile, Manali and other high-altitude tourist hubs also recorded snowfall. The fresh snow boosted tourism interest but raised safety concerns. Officials asked visitors to follow advisories and avoid unnecessary travel, especially toward higher passes.
Looking ahead, the weather department predicted more activity. It expects snowfall and rain in mid and high-altitude regions on January 24. After that, dry weather may return briefly on January 25. However, another spell of heavy precipitation may hit the state between January 26 and 28.
Over the past 24 hours, most parts of Himachal Pradesh had remained dry before the snowfall began. Yet cold conditions already gripped several districts. Hamirpur faced severe cold wave conditions. Mandi, Una, Kangra, and Bilaspur also reported cold waves. In Lahaul and Spiti, Tabo village recorded the lowest temperature in the state at minus 8.7 degrees Celsius.
At the same time, Kashmir experienced a dramatic shift in weather. The Valley received its first major snowfall of the season. As snow intensified, authorities closed a key national highway to ensure safety. Officials warned that restoring normal traffic could take time due to continuing snowfall.
In Srinagar, snow disrupted air travel as well. Snow-clearing teams began operations at the airport early Friday. Authorities advised passengers to stay in touch with airlines for updates on flights.
Tourist hotspot Gulmarg saw some of the heaviest snowfall. The resort recorded nearly 20 to 24 inches of fresh snow. The deep snow delighted visitors but slowed movement across the area.
In response to the weather, officials shut schools in Rajouri and Poonch districts as a precaution. Meanwhile, the Vaishno Devi shrine also received fresh snowfall. The snow affected pilgrimage movement and prompted authorities to regulate access.
Overall, heavy snowfall transformed major tourist hubs across Himachal Pradesh and Kashmir. While the snow revived winter tourism, it also brought disruptions. Authorities continue to monitor conditions and urge caution as more snow may follow.
