Heavy Snowfall In Himachal Pradesh, Over 1,000 Vehicles Stuck

Local authorities were coordinating rescue operations...

A fresh spell of heavy snowfall in Himachal Pradesh’s Manali on Monday has turned the winter paradise into a logistical challenge. Around 1,000 vehicles are stuck, leaving tourists stranded in their cars for hours between Solang and the Atal Tunnel in Rohtang.

Footage from the area showed police officers helping travelers and drivers navigate their vehicles as the snowfall continued. Local authorities were also coordinating rescue operations.

The surge of tourists coming to celebrate Christmas and New Year in the snow-covered mountains seems to have exacerbated the situation.

Tourists flock to the region between December and February to witness the snow-capped peaks. While they got the snow they were hoping for, it turned into a headache for both them and the authorities trying to clear the jam.

As authorities in Manali worked to resolve the logistical issues caused by the snow, the capital Shimla was covered in a blanket of fresh snow, bringing renewed joy and excitement to the city.

The enchanting snowfall, which arrived after a two-week break since the first snowfall on December 8, not only thrilled visitors but also uplifted the spirits of the local tourism industry, which had been struggling to recover from the losses caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Tourists, captivated by the beauty of the snow-covered hills, are extending their stays, making this a season of joy and celebration for everyone. This unexpected snowfall has brought extra excitement for those hoping for a "White Christmas." Many tourists who were originally planning to leave have decided to stay longer, enjoying the wintry charm of Shimla.

Meanwhile, local businesses, especially in the tourism and hospitality sectors, are hopeful for an extended tourist season and eager to make the most of this magical winter spell.

Tourists from across the country are overjoyed by the snowfall, calling it a "once-in-a-lifetime experience."

"The snowfall is such a beautiful sight. The weather is amazing. We didn't expect this at all, but when we woke up this morning, there was snow. We were planning to leave, but now we've decided to stay longer. This is the first snowfall I've ever seen, and it's a once-in-a-lifetime experience for me," a tourist from Haryana said, according to reports.