Himachal Pradesh’s popular winter destination of Manali is witnessing an unprecedented surge in tourist arrivals, placing significant pressure on local infrastructure and hospitality services. Access roads to Manali in Kullu district are heavily congested, with visitors experiencing prolonged delays as traffic has remained gridlocked for hours. On the Kothi–Manali stretch alone, congestion has extended up to 8 kilometres, disrupting arrivals and transfers across the region.
The situation has been intensified by a long holiday weekend coupled with the season’s first major snowfall following a nearly three-month dry spell. While the snowfall has enhanced the destination’s winter appeal, it has also led to operational challenges for hotels, transport providers, and local authorities managing guest movement and safety.
Hospitality operators in Manali report 100% occupancy across hotels and resorts, reflecting exceptionally strong demand. With accommodation capacity stretched to its limits, overflow traffic and bookings are now being redirected to neighbouring areas in Kullu, where hotels are witnessing a sharp uptick in last-minute arrivals.
Statewide, weather-related disruptions have affected connectivity across multiple districts. Of the 685 roads currently blocked in Himachal Pradesh, the highest impact has been recorded in Lahaul and Spiti with 292 closures. Additional disruptions have been reported in Chamba (132 roads), Mandi (126), Kullu (79), Sirmour (29), Kinnaur (20), Kangra (4), Una (2), and Solan (1), significantly affecting tourism mobility and supply chains.
Traffic congestion, which began on Friday evening, has continued for over 24 hours, leaving thousands of tourists stranded in vehicles and bringing movement on key routes to a standstill. Hospitality teams across the region are working closely with local authorities to assist guests facing delays, rebookings, and extended stays.
In response to the evolving weather conditions, the Himachal Pradesh government has issued a statewide advisory ahead of an active western disturbance expected to bring heavy snowfall and rainfall between January 26 and 28. Visuals from affected areas show vehicles blanketed in snow, underlining the severity of conditions on the ground.
In and around Shimla, traffic beyond Dhalli—approximately 10 kilometres from the city—has been suspended due to heavy snow accumulation along the Hindustan-Tibet Road. Entire districts such as Kinnaur, along with key towns in Shimla district including Narkanda, Jubbal, Kotkhai, Kumarsain, Kharapathar, Rohru, and Chopal, remain cut off, impacting winter travel itineraries and hotel operations.
The Meteorological Department has confirmed that the western disturbance, originating from the Mediterranean-Caspian region and moving across Afghanistan and Pakistan, is expected to remain active through Sunday, bringing further snowfall and rain. Additionally, a yellow alert for dense fog and cold wave conditions has been issued for Kangra, Mandi, Solan, Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, and Sirmour.
As peak winter demand continues, hospitality stakeholders are urging travellers to monitor advisories, plan arrivals carefully, and remain flexible with travel schedules while ensuring guest safety and comfort remain a priority across the state.
