Fresh snowfall in the higher altitudes of Himachal Pradesh has brightened the winter season and injected optimism into the state’s hospitality sector, which had been struggling due to a weak winter and prolonged dry spell.
A thin layer of snow covered popular destinations such as Rohtang Pass, Narkanda, Hatu Peak, Khadrala, and Kalpa, drawing large crowds of tourists eager to experience snowfall before the season ends. News of the fresh snow prompted a surge of visitors over the weekend.
Weather reports indicate that Khadrala in Shimla district recorded the highest snowfall at 10.2 cm, followed by Kalpa (Kinnaur) with 6.4 cm. Gondhla in Lahaul-Spiti and Jalori-Jot in Kullu saw 3 cm each, while Kukumseri (Lahaul-Spiti) received 1.5 cm during the latest western disturbance.
Snowfall was also observed across several key mountain ranges, including Rohtang Pass, the Lady of Keylong range, Dhauladhar ranges, Manimahesh peaks, Kinner Kailash, and Churdhar, adding a fresh layer of snow that enhanced the natural beauty of the region.
Alongside snowfall, widespread rainfall was reported across the state. Salooni received the highest rainfall at 32 mm, followed by Sarahan (29.5 mm), Bhabanagar (29 mm), Rampur (28 mm), and Kataula (23.4 mm). Other areas with notable rainfall included Bhattiyat (23.1 mm), Manali (22 mm), Bharmour (20.5 mm), Pandoh (20.4 mm), Gohar (20 mm), Bhunter (19.2 mm), Jot (17.4 mm), Mandi (14.6 mm), Berthin (14.2 mm), Shimla (12.2 mm), Pachhad (12 mm), Shillaroo (10 mm), and Kandaghat (9.2 mm).
Tourism authorities said the fresh snow offers much-needed respite to hotels, homestays, and tour operators. This season had seen only three snowfall spells compared to the usual six or seven, resulting in lower tourist turnout and financial losses for the hospitality sector.
Abhinav, a hotelier in Manali, said, “Even reports of potential snowfall brought large crowds. On Sunday, nearly 1,000 tourist vehicles were stranded near the Rohtang Tunnel as visitors rushed to witness fresh snow in the higher reaches.”
The snowfall was accompanied by a noticeable drop in temperatures. Shimla recorded 4.4°C, Manali 2.9°C, Kalpa -2.4°C, Dharamshala 8.7°C, Sundernagar 8.2°C, Bhuntar 6.3°C, Solan 7.4°C, Palampur 7°C, and Mandi 9.6°C.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast two to three more spells of rain and snow over the coming days due to active western disturbances, raising hopes for a better tourist influx and giving a much-needed boost to Himachal Pradesh’s tourism and hospitality sectors.
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
