Tourists throng Lahaul-Spiti to ring in Christmas, New Year

In view of Christmas and New Year celebrations, tourist influx has increased to Lahaul valley in Lahaul and Spiti district these days.

According to the police, Lahaul and Spiti district has witnessed a significant influx of tourists yesterday, with a total of 6,614 vehicles entering and exiting the region via the Atal Tunnel on the Manali-Leh highway. The district's law enforcement agencies have been monitoring the movement of both local and out-of-state vehicles, ensuring smooth travel through the valley's picturesque and often challenging terrain.

According to the data provided by the Lahaul and Spiti Superintendent of Police, Mayank Chaudhary, a total of 3,464 vehicles entered the region between 8.00 am and 8.00 pm on December 21. Out of these, 1,950 were from Himachal Pradesh and 1,514 were from other states. On the flip side, 3,150 vehicles exited the valley, with 1,805 from Himachal Pradesh and 1,345 from outside the state. This brings the total number of vehicles passing through the region to 6,614.

“Tourist activity has been notably high, with a total of 18,100 visitors recorded across three key sectors. The majority of the tourists, primarily traveling by four-wheelers, were seen across the valley’s major routes,” the DP said.

“Sector-wise data revealed interesting trends in traffic and tourist concentration. In Sector 1 (Kuth Bihal to Pagal Nallah), under the supervision of SI Sanjay, 200 two-wheelers and 2,000 four-wheelers were counted, carrying 8,400 tourists. In Sector 2 (Gramphu to Kuth Bihal), managed by SI Pawan, 150 two-wheelers and 1,500 four-wheelers passed through, transporting 5,900 tourists. Meanwhile, Sector 3 (Pagal Nallah to Ghepan Temple), under the supervision of Inspector Anil Kumar, recorded 100 two-wheelers and 1,100 four-wheelers, bringing in 3,800 tourists,” the SP said.

“The police have been taking adequate measures to ensure the safety of tourists and maintain traffic discipline. Despite the high volume of vehicles and tourists, there have been no major incidents reported, indicating effective management and preparedness,” he added.

“This surge in tourism highlights Lahaul valley's growing popularity as a travel destination, particularly after the completion of the Atal Tunnel, which has dramatically reduced travel time and made the region more accessible,” he remarked.