Rohtang, Kunzum passes get first snowfall of season, hoteliers elated

Winter marked its beginning in Himachal Pradesh today as Rohtang Pass on the Manali-Leh highway and Kunzum Pass on the Sumdo-Kaza-Gramphu highway received the season’s first snowfall, disrupting traffic movement on both routes.

High-altitude areas in Kullu and Lahaul-Spiti districts were blanketed in fresh snow, while the lower regions, including parts of Mandi district, experienced light rainfall. Sudden drop in temperature across the region gave a clear signal of the approaching winter season.

According to the Lahaul-Spiti Police, traffic movement over the Rohtang Pass has been halted due to fresh snowfall. However, vehicles are moving via the Atal Tunnel on the Manali-Leh highway, offering some relief to commuters. Similarly, the Kunzum Pass on the Sumdo-Kaza-Gramphu route is also closed to vehicular traffic after being hit by fresh snow.

Despite the disruption, local tourism stakeholders have welcomed the snowfall with optimism. Hoteliers and travel operators from Kullu-Manali and Lahaul-Spiti regions have expressed hope that the snowfall will mark the beginning of the winter tourist season and attract visitors in the coming weeks.

“This snowfall is a blessing for tourism. After a long and damaging monsoon season, we hope this marks the revival of tourist inflow,” said a local hotel owner in Manali.

The tourism industry in these regions has suffered setbacks from July to September due to incessant rainfall, landslides and significant damage to road infrastructure. Many highways and village roads had remained blocked for weeks, drastically reducing the number of tourists during the peak season. With the early snowfall, locals now look forward to a much-needed boost in tourism, which is a key livelihood for thousands in these high-altitude districts.

Authorities have advised travellers to remain updated before planning their journeys to snow-bound areas.