Christmas Snowfall Transforms Shimla and Manali into Winter Wonderlands; 4 Fatalities Reported, Roads Blocked

The picturesque hill towns of Shimla and Manali in Himachal Pradesh were blanketed in fresh snow on Christmas, creating a dreamy winter wonderland for tourists. Alongside these popular hubs, parts of Jammu and Kashmir also experienced heavy snowfall, plunging temperatures several degrees below freezing and drawing large crowds of holidaymakers.

While the snowfall delighted visitors seeking a festive getaway, it also caused significant disruptions. Over 200 roads, including three national highways, were closed due to the heavy snow, leaving hundreds of vehicles stranded. Tragically, four fatalities were reported from vehicle skidding incidents.

The surge in tourist activity led to a 30% increase in hotel bookings, with occupancy rates in Shimla exceeding 70%, according to MK Seth, president of the Shimla Hotel and Tourism Stakeholders’ Association. Social media platforms are brimming with captivating images of snow-clad Shimla and Manali, adding to the allure of a ‘white Christmas.’

The Meteorological Department has forecast continued snowfall in parts of Himachal Pradesh, including Shimla, with peak activity expected over the weekend. Authorities have urged travelers to follow local advisories, avoid risky driving in snowy conditions, and heed the guidance of locals and police.

In response to the challenging conditions, rescue operations were carried out near the Atal Tunnel, where hundreds of vehicles were stuck due to the snow. Additional Chief Secretary Onkar Sharma emphasized the importance of adhering to safety measures during the ongoing weather challenges.

Despite the hardships, the snowfall has brought festive joy to tourists while highlighting the need for caution and preparedness in the region.