Shimla : After a relatively quiet spell in recent weeks, the hill resort of Manali witnessed a significant surge in tourist activity over the weekend. From Manali to Lahaul Valley, popular destinations were bustling with visitors eager to enjoy the fading winter season and snow-covered landscapes.
With snow gradually melting in Solang Valley, Fataru and near the South Portal of the Atal Tunnel, tourists increasingly moved towards Lahaul Valley. Scenic spots such as Sissu and even Darcha saw a steady flow of visitors. Authorities have announced that key destinations in Lahaul, including Koksar and Sissu, will reopen fully for tourism activities from March 1, raising expectations of further growth.
The weekend rush was evident in numbers. On today alone, over 2,500 tourist vehicles were reported at Solang Valley and the Atal Tunnel area, compared to last week’s daily average of 500–600 vehicles.
By the weekend, nearly 1,000 vehicles from other states were entering Manali daily.
However, the surge also resulted in traffic congestion at multiple points, with some tourists stuck in jams for hours.
Apart from snow points, major attractions such as Hadimba Devi Temple, Vashisht Temple, Manu Temple and the Mall Road area witnessed heavy footfall. Adventure seekers flocked to Anjani Mahadev, Gulaba and Hamta for snow activities. Weather conditions further enhanced the appeal.
While the morning remained sunny, fresh snowfall of over three inches was recorded in higher reaches, including Rohtang Pass, Shinku La, Baralacha Pass and Kunzum Pass, offering picturesque views.Hotel occupancy touched nearly 60 per cent over the weekend. Tourism stakeholders remain optimistic that with improving weather and reopening of key sites, March will bring stronger revival for the Kullu-Manali tourism industry.
