Tourist footfall picks up in Kullu-Manali region as temperature soars in plains

With temperatures soaring in the northern plains, tourists are flocking to the cool climes of Himachal Pradesh, especially Kullu-Manali and the Lahaul-Spiti region, seeking respite from the scorching heat these days.

This surge has pushed hotel occupancy rates in Manali to over 60 per cent and local hoteliers are optimistic that the number will soon reach full capacity.

There has been spike in online queries for hotel bookings, especially for the month of June. With school summer vacations beginning in many states, tourist footfall is expected to rise sharply in the coming weeks.

“With the rise in mercury in the plains, tourists are thronging toward Kullu-Manali and Lahaul-Spiti. We expect the hotel industry to perform well in June,” said Anup Thakur, president of the Kullu-Manali Paryatan Vikas Mandal. “Summer vacations in schools are about to begin or have begun in some schools. This will definitely bring more visitors from other states.”

Hotel owners, many of whom faced a downturn earlier in the year, are now pinning their hopes on the peak summer season.

Hem Raj Sharma, a hotelier in Manali, noted that the ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan had adversely impacted tourism in April and May. “However, tourist inflow is now increasing considerably,” he added.

Gajender Thakur, former president of the Kullu-Manali Hoteliers’ Association, acknowledged that the tourist season has been weaker than last year. “Still, we are hopeful that June will bring a strong rebound. Currently, room occupancy is at around 65 per cent, and we expect it to go beyond 90 per cent in the coming weeks,” he said.

The tourism industry, a vital component of the region’s economy, is now gearing up to accommodate the anticipated influx. Hoteliers and local businesses are enhancing services and infrastructure to provide a comfortable experience to tourists, hoping that this summer will make up for the sluggish start to the year.

With its breath-taking landscapes, cool climate and adventure opportunities, Kullu-Manali and Lahaul and Spiti continue to be a top choices for travellers looking to escape the punishing summer heat of the plains.

Rohtang Pass, Baralacha-La, Shinku La, Kunzum pass, Atal tunnel, Solang nalla and Gulaba in Kullu-Manali and Lahaul and Spiti have become hotspot of tourists activities.