Himachal Snowfall: Key Passes Closed in Lahaul and Spiti

Fresh snowfall across the higher reaches of Himachal Pradesh has disrupted road connectivity in Lahaul and Spiti, prompting authorities to suspend vehicle movement on several high-altitude mountain passes. Continuous snowfall since late Thursday has made roads unsafe, leading police to restrict traffic towards Shinku La Pass, Baralacha Pass and Kunzum Top.

Snowfall has also been reported in the higher reaches of Manali, including Rohtang Pass and Marhi, bringing a fresh spell of winter weather to the region. The changing conditions have triggered cold wave conditions in adjoining valleys and increased the risk of slippery roads, poor visibility and difficult driving conditions.

Police and district authorities have advised residents and tourists to avoid travelling to high-altitude areas until weather conditions improve. Several important routes have either been closed completely or placed under movement restrictions as officials monitor snowfall and road safety.

The fresh snowfall has also raised hopes among tourism stakeholders that more visitors could travel to Himachal Pradesh in the coming days. However, authorities have emphasised that tourist interest must not come at the cost of safety, particularly while snow continues to accumulate on mountain roads.

Fresh Snowfall Across Shinku La, Baralacha Pass and Kunzum Top

Continuous snowfall has been reported since late Thursday at Shinku La Pass, Baralacha Pass and Kunzum Top, along with other high-altitude locations in Lahaul and Spiti district.

These mountain routes are important connections across the Himalayan region, but their high elevation makes them particularly vulnerable to sudden weather changes. Snow accumulation can quickly reduce tyre grip, narrow the usable road surface and make vehicle movement dangerous.

The latest snowfall has made road conditions unsafe for ordinary vehicles. As a result, police have suspended traffic towards Shinku La and Baralacha passes under an advisory issued on Friday, November 13.

Vehicle movement towards Kunzum Top has also been suspended, while the road towards Chhatru has been closed. Authorities are assessing the conditions before allowing traffic to resume.

In emergency situations, four-wheel-drive vehicles equipped with appropriate snow chains may be permitted on certain routes, depending on the assessment of road and weather conditions. This is not a general permission for tourists to attempt travel through snow-covered mountain roads.

Rohtang Pass and Marhi Receive Fresh Snowfall

Snowfall has also begun in the higher reaches of Manali, including Rohtang Pass and Marhi. According to information shared by ANI, approximately 4–5 inches of snow accumulated at Rohtang Pass, while Marhi recorded around one inch.

Manali Police suspended vehicular movement from Marhi towards Rohtang Pass, allowing only emergency vehicles. Authorities also issued instructions at the Gulaba Barrier to prevent vehicles from proceeding towards the snow-covered stretch.

Vehicles that had already reached Marhi were being safely sent back towards Manali. The restrictions were introduced to prevent motorists from becoming stranded as snowfall continued and road conditions deteriorated.

Vehicle movement has also been restricted beyond Gulaba, an important checkpoint on the route towards Rohtang Pass. Tourists planning to visit the area have been advised to follow police instructions rather than attempting to cross the barricades.

Several Important Roads Closed in Lahaul and Spiti

The snowfall has affected multiple roads connecting high-altitude settlements and mountain destinations in Lahaul and Spiti. Authorities have suspended movement on several routes because of snow accumulation and unsafe driving conditions.

The affected road stretches include:

• Shinku La Pass: Traffic movement towards the high-altitude pass has been suspended.
• Baralacha Pass: Vehicle movement has been restricted because of continuous snowfall and unsafe road conditions.
• Kunzum Top: Traffic towards the mountain pass has been suspended.
• Chhatru route: The route has been closed following the deterioration in weather conditions.
• Rohtang Pass to Koksar: Road connectivity on this stretch has been affected.
• Darcha to Sarchu: Vehicle movement has been suspended.
• Gramphu to Batal: The road has been closed due to snowfall.
• Losar to Batal: Traffic movement has been restricted.
• Rohli to Kadhu Nullah: The route has also been closed.

These closures are significant because the affected roads connect remote mountain areas and serve as important routes for local residents, transport operators and tourists. Snowfall can make even relatively short journeys difficult when visibility falls or vehicles lose traction.

Authorities have not advised travellers to treat these routes as open simply because some sections may appear accessible. Road conditions can change quickly during active snowfall, and restrictions may remain in place until officials consider the routes safe.

Police Issue Safety Advisory for Residents and Tourists

Police have urged people to avoid high-altitude locations until weather and road conditions improve. The advisory applies to both tourists and residents, particularly those considering travel towards mountain passes affected by fresh snowfall.

Officials have also restricted vehicle movement at important checkpoints to prevent motorists from entering unsafe stretches. At Gulaba, vehicles are being stopped from proceeding towards Rohtang Pass, while those already at Marhi are being directed back towards Manali.

These measures are intended to reduce the possibility of vehicles becoming stranded in snow-covered areas. Sudden snowfall can create hazardous conditions even for experienced drivers, especially on narrow mountain roads with steep gradients and sharp bends.

Driving on such roads requires suitable vehicles, appropriate tyres and experience in winter conditions. Even four-wheel-drive vehicles can lose control if tyres do not have sufficient traction or if the road surface is covered with compacted snow or ice.

Tourists should therefore avoid self-driving towards closed passes and should not rely on social media videos or reports of other vehicles reaching a particular location as evidence that the route is safe.

Why Snowfall Makes Mountain Roads Dangerous

High-altitude roads in Himachal Pradesh are particularly vulnerable during sudden changes in weather. Snow accumulation can reduce friction between tyres and the road surface, increasing braking distances and making it difficult for vehicles to climb or descend steep stretches.

Another major concern is visibility. Continuous snowfall, fog and low clouds can make it difficult for drivers to identify road edges, sharp turns and approaching vehicles. In areas with limited roadside protection, even a small driving error can have serious consequences.

Snow can also cover road markings and drainage channels, making it harder to judge the condition of the surface. As temperatures fall, melted snow can freeze again and create slippery patches of ice.

These risks become more serious on remote mountain routes where emergency assistance may take longer to arrive. A stranded vehicle can also block a narrow road and prevent other vehicles, including emergency services, from passing.

For these reasons, temporary traffic restrictions are an important safety measure during heavy snowfall. Authorities generally need to assess snow accumulation, road clearance and weather conditions before reopening affected routes.

Fresh Snowfall Raises Hopes for Himachal Pradesh Tourism

Despite the disruption to road connectivity, the fresh snowfall has generated excitement among tourism stakeholders in Himachal Pradesh. Snow-covered mountain landscapes often attract visitors from the plains, particularly those looking for colder weather and winter experiences.

Tourism operators in Manali are hopeful that the latest snowfall could encourage more people to visit the hill station. Videos and photographs showing snow-covered areas have also appeared on social media, increasing interest in the region.

Monty, who is associated with adventure tourism in Manali, told PTI that tourists from the plains, particularly Delhi and the National Capital Region, had already been travelling to Himachal Pradesh to escape post-Diwali air pollution. He expected the fresh snowfall to add to the state’s appeal.

The timing could provide a boost to hotels, local transport operators, restaurants and adventure tourism businesses preparing for the winter season. Snowfall is an important attraction for visitors who want to experience winter landscapes and outdoor activities.

However, increased tourist interest could also create pressure on roads and local infrastructure if visitors travel towards restricted areas. Authorities will need to balance tourism activity with safety requirements while snowfall continues.

Delhi-NCR Tourists May Be Drawn to the Snowfall

Himachal Pradesh is a popular destination for travellers from Delhi and neighbouring states, particularly during periods of extreme heat or pollution in the plains. Manali, Shimla and other hill destinations attract visitors seeking cooler temperatures and mountain scenery.

The latest snowfall could strengthen this seasonal interest, especially among tourists who want to see fresh snow rather than visit during the later part of winter.

However, the current restrictions mean that visitors may not be able to reach some of the most popular high-altitude locations. Rohtang Pass, Kunzum Top and other affected routes remain subject to weather-related closures.

Tourists planning a trip should distinguish between visiting Manali town and travelling to high-altitude passes. Conditions in the main town may differ significantly from those at mountain checkpoints, where snowfall and road closures can make travel unsafe.

Visitors should check official police and district administration updates before beginning journeys. They should also avoid making travel plans that depend on reaching a particular pass while restrictions remain in force.

IMD Issues Yellow Alert for Thunderstorms and Lightning

The India Meteorological Department’s Shimla office had issued a yellow alert on Thursday, warning of thunderstorms and lightning at isolated places in Himachal Pradesh on Friday and Saturday.

The weather office had also forecast a spell of wet weather across the state until November 15. The forecast indicated the possibility of continued unsettled conditions, adding to concerns about travel in high-altitude areas.

Weather conditions in the Himalayan region can vary sharply between valleys and mountain passes. While some lower locations may experience rain or cloudy conditions, higher elevations can receive snowfall as temperatures fall.

This difference makes it important for travellers to consider location-specific forecasts rather than relying on weather conditions in Manali town or other lower-altitude destinations when planning journeys towards mountain passes.

The combination of fresh snowfall, low temperatures and possible further precipitation could keep road conditions challenging. Authorities are expected to assess affected stretches before allowing normal traffic movement to resume.

What Tourists Should Know Before Travelling to Manali and Lahaul and Spiti

People planning to visit Himachal Pradesh during the current weather spell should take additional precautions. Snowfall can make mountain travel unpredictable, and road access may change with little notice.

• Check official road updates: Confirm whether the intended route is open before leaving for a high-altitude destination.
• Follow police barricades: Do not cross checkpoints or attempt to bypass traffic restrictions.
• Avoid closed mountain passes: Do not travel towards Shinku La, Baralacha Pass or Kunzum Top while restrictions remain in place.
• Do not attempt unsafe self-driving: Snow-covered roads require suitable vehicles, equipment and driving experience.
• Carry essential supplies: Travellers should be prepared for delays and unexpected changes in weather.
• Keep emergency contacts available: Inform family members about travel plans and follow instructions from local authorities.
• Allow travel plans to change: Avoid fixed schedules that depend on reaching a pass during active snowfall.

Visitors should also remember that a four-wheel-drive vehicle does not automatically make every snow-covered road safe. Access in emergency situations remains subject to the assessment and permission of the authorities.

Outlook: More Snowfall Could Keep High-Altitude Routes Restricted

Fresh snowfall has brought winter conditions to several high-altitude areas of Himachal Pradesh, but it has also disrupted road connectivity across Lahaul and Spiti and the Manali region. Traffic towards Shinku La, Baralacha Pass and Kunzum Top has been suspended, while several other important routes have been closed or restricted.

The weather forecast for November 13 and 14, along with the possibility of wet conditions until November 15, means travellers should remain cautious. Any decision to reopen the affected roads will depend on weather conditions, snow accumulation and safety assessments by the authorities.

The snowfall may attract more tourists to Himachal Pradesh, particularly from Delhi and the National Capital Region. However, the immediate priority remains preventing accidents and ensuring that residents and visitors do not become stranded in remote mountain areas.

For now, police have advised people to stay away from high-altitude locations until conditions improve. Travellers should follow official advisories, check road status before departure and avoid attempting to reach closed mountain passes during the ongoing spell of snowfall.