SHIMLA, Nov 13: Several high-altitude areas and mountain passes in Himachal Pradesh’s tribal Lahaul and Spiti district received fresh snowfall, bringing a sharp drop in temperatures and triggering cold wave conditions in adjoining valleys. In view of deteriorating weather and road conditions, police authorities issued a travel advisory on Friday, warning residents and tourists against travelling to vulnerable mountain regions.
Snowfall has been continuing since late Thursday at Shinku La Pass, Baralacha Pass, Kunzum Top and other elevated locations across the district. Snow has also begun accumulating in the upper reaches of Manali, according to reports received from the region.
The fresh spell has made several roads slippery and hazardous, increasing the risk of vehicles getting stranded in snow-covered stretches. Consequently, authorities have suspended vehicular movement towards Shinku La and Baralacha passes as a precautionary measure.
Traffic towards Kunzum Top has also been stopped, while the route leading to Chhatru has been closed. Police said that emergency movement may be considered only for four-wheel-drive vehicles fitted with appropriate snow chains, subject to an assessment of prevailing weather and road conditions.
Several other important roads in Lahaul and Spiti have also been closed following the snowfall. These include the stretches connecting Rohtang with Koksar, Darcha with Sarchu, Gramphu with Batal, Losar with Batal and Rohli with Kadhu Nullah.
The closures have disrupted connectivity across several remote locations, where sudden snowfall can make travel particularly dangerous. Mountain roads in the region are especially vulnerable to slippery surfaces, reduced visibility and rapidly changing weather conditions.
In its advisory, the police department urged the general public, local residents and tourists to follow instructions issued by the district administration and law enforcement agencies. Travellers have been advised to postpone unnecessary journeys to higher elevations until weather conditions stabilise and roads are declared safe.
Authorities have also restricted vehicular movement beyond Gulaba in the Manali region to prevent people from entering snow-affected stretches.
Police officials stressed that tourists should not attempt to cross closed roads or ignore barricades and safety instructions. The use of vehicles without suitable equipment in snow-covered areas could increase the possibility of accidents and leave passengers stranded in difficult conditions.
Meanwhile, videos showing fresh snowfall across various parts of Himachal Pradesh have started circulating on social media, attracting attention from tourists and travel enthusiasts.
The snowfall has generated optimism within the tourism sector, particularly among businesses associated with adventure activities and winter tourism in Manali. Tourism stakeholders believe the changing weather could encourage more visitors from the plains to travel to the state’s popular hill destinations.
Monty, who is associated with adventure tourism in Manali, said visitors from Delhi and the National Capital Region had already started arriving in Himachal Pradesh to escape worsening air pollution following Diwali celebrations.
He expressed hope that the fresh snowfall would further increase tourist interest and encourage additional visitors to explore the state’s mountain destinations.
Tourism operators have traditionally considered the arrival of early winter snowfall an important development for Himachal Pradesh’s hospitality and adventure tourism industries. Snow-covered landscapes, colder temperatures and opportunities for winter activities often attract visitors seeking a break from urban conditions.
However, tourism-related activities in high-altitude areas remain dependent on weather conditions and administrative permissions. Authorities have therefore advised visitors to prioritise safety and avoid travelling towards restricted mountain passes.
The fresh snowfall comes amid a weather alert issued by the India Meteorological Department’s Shimla office.
The meteorological centre had issued a yellow alert on Thursday, forecasting thunderstorms and lightning at isolated locations across the state on Friday and Saturday.
It had also predicted a spell of unsettled weather until November 15, indicating the possibility of further weather-related disruptions in different parts of Himachal Pradesh.
The changing weather conditions have raised concerns about road safety, particularly in remote tribal areas where snowfall can rapidly affect accessibility. Local authorities are monitoring the situation and taking precautionary measures to prevent accidents and ensure public safety.
Residents and tourists have been advised to check the latest weather forecasts and road-status updates before planning journeys. Travellers heading towards Manali and other hill stations have also been urged to avoid attempting trips to restricted areas merely to witness snowfall.
With winter conditions gradually strengthening in the higher reaches, the administration is expected to continue monitoring vulnerable routes and regulate traffic according to prevailing conditions.
The latest snowfall has brought a glimpse of winter to Himachal Pradesh’s mountain landscape, but officials have emphasised that safety must remain the priority until roads become suitable for normal vehicular movement.