Shimla: Himachal Pradesh is gearing up for a wintry New Year as weather forecasts indicate fresh snowfall across several parts of the state, drawing large numbers of visitors to its hill towns. Popular destinations such as Shimla and Manali are witnessing a steady influx of tourists eager to welcome the new year amid snow-covered landscapes.
The India Meteorological Department has projected snowfall in the higher reaches of Shimla and in districts including Lahaul and Spiti, Kinnaur, Chamba, Kullu and Kangra. According to the forecast, Kullu district is likely to experience snowfall starting late on December 30, with snow activity possibly continuing in the upper mountain areas through January 1 and 2.
With favourable weather predictions, tourist movement has surged sharply. Thousands of vehicles are entering Shimla and Manali every day, particularly from neighbouring states such as Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh. Official figures show that in the last week alone, more than 13,000 tourist vehicles from outside Himachal crossed into Manali. Traffic through the Atal Tunnel on the Manali–Leh route has also increased significantly, with over 34,000 vehicles recorded recently. The tunnel saw its busiest day of the season on December 26, when more than 7,200 vehicles passed through.
Shimla, too, is experiencing a rush ahead of New Year celebrations. Authorities estimate that between 8,000 and 10,000 vehicles are arriving in the state capital daily, with over three lakh tourists expected during the coming week. The ongoing nine-day Winter Carnival has further boosted the festive appeal of the city.
The heavy tourist presence, however, has resulted in severe traffic congestion across many hill routes. Long queues of vehicles have been reported in and around Shimla, Manali, Kufri, Kasauli and Rohtang. Police and local authorities have advised visitors to start their journeys early in the day, as traffic pressure tends to intensify from afternoon onwards.
Road conditions have added to the challenge. In Manali, the Left Bank Road—once used as an alternate route—has suffered extensive damage during the monsoon and is now reduced to a single lane in several sections. In Shimla, the closure of the Shoghi–Anandpur–Mehli bypass due to a landslide has pushed all traffic onto the Kalka–Shimla highway, further slowing movement.
Despite these hurdles, the festive mood remains high. Tourists continue to arrive in large numbers, hopeful that fresh snowfall will transform Himachal Pradesh into a winter wonderland as the New Year begins.
