Himachal Pradesh witnessed its first snowfall of the season on Sunday evening as tourists rejoiced at ice-covered tourist destinations in Shimla, Manali, Kasauli and Chail. The snowfall broke a ten-week dry spell in the region, bringing cheer to the farmers, hoteliers and other tourism-related businesses in the state.    

Shimla, along with nearby resorts like Kufri, Fagu, Narkanda and Chansel, received 2.5 cm of snow. The Ridge, Mall Road and Jakhoo Peak in Shimla were blanketed in white, attracting tourists. Popular spots such as Manali, Kasauli and Chail also saw snow, while lower hills recorded light rainfall.

The first snowfall of the season brought scenic winter landscapes but also widespread disruptions. At least 87 roads, including the Atari-Leh National Highway 3 near Manali's Rohtang Pass, were closed, according to the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC). Shimla accounted for 58 closures, followed by 17 in Kinnaur, six in Kangra, two in Lahaul and Spiti, and one each in Kullu and Chamba districts.

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High-altitude tribal areas reported extreme cold, with temperatures plummeting to 12 to 18 degrees below freezing. Tabo recorded a low of minus 12.3 degrees Celsius, while Keylong saw 3 cm of snowfall. Power outages affected several parts of the state as 457 transformers were disrupted.

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Snow and slippery roads stranded about 800 people in 490 vehicles in Lahaul, all of whom were later rescued by the Lahaul and Spiti police. However, schools in Shimla remained open due to ongoing exams and essential supplies were unaffected despite adverse conditions.


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