Solang gets snow on second day

Our Correspondent

MANALI, NOVEMBER 19

The inclement weather conditions in the upper Manali region worsened again today as the entire higher reaches, including Rohtang, Marhi, Gulaba and Solang valley, received a fresh spell of snow, while the lower areas were lashed with rain.

After the season’s first snowfall in the upper Manali areas, the Solang valley,13 km from here, has become the biggest attraction with a large number of tourists thronging it to enjoy the snow.

The valley is not only famous for its scenic beauty and one of the most spectacular ski slopes in the western Himalayas, but also has attained popularity for paragliding, trekking, camping and other adventure-related activities. It also becomes a big draw for paragliding both in summer and winter .

The Manali-Rohtang road was closed for vehicular traffic due to heavy snow in the region.

With the season’s first snowfall in the upper areas of the Manali region, hundreds of small shops have come up at different places on the Rohtang road at Kachnikoot, Bahang, Nehrukund, Kulang, Palchan, Solang valley and Kothi, offering woollen garments, snow dresses and snow shoes for tourists.

A number of local women of the surrounding villages are also renting Kullu dresses to tourists at the Solang valley. This has also become a source of livelihood for hundreds of locals.