Snow, rain bring chill back in Manali

Our Correspondent

MANALI, MARCH 4

Weather conditions worsened last evening as the upper Manali region experienced a fresh spell of snow, while the lower parts were lashed by rain today.

The lower area also had snow, but it was so mild that it melted within a few hours.

Dark clouds remained hovering over the region which resulted in the snowfall in higher reaches this afternoon.

The Rohtang Pass also received a heavy snowfall. The entire higher reaches, including the Pir Panjal ranges, Marhi, Gulaba, Kothi, Dhundi, Bhrighu slopes, Hamta ski slopes, the Chanderkhani Pass, also received a moderate to heavy snow.

The famous ski slopes of the Solang valley also experienced a fresh spell of snow. Hundreds of tourists rushed to the valley where a festival-like atmosphere prevailed as tourists were seen enjoying snow-related activities such as skiing, riding yaks, zorbing, throwing snowballs on each others and clicking photographs.

People in the tourism industry are happy with the snow as they are expecting a rise in the tourist inflow to Manali. Apple growers are also happy.

The temperatures dipped sharply as cold wind has swept the region since last evening.