The recent snowfall in the high-altitude regions of Himachal Pradesh during June is a boon for tourists. Snowfall near Rohtang Pass in Kullu-Manali, Lahaul-Spiti, and Sach Pass in Chamba district has significantly enhanced the appeal of these tourist destinations.
HP Tourism: Himachal Pradesh's valleys are currently a major attraction for tourists seeking respite from the heat. Surprisingly, while most parts of the country are sweltering under intense heat, fresh snowfall has been recorded in the high-altitude areas of Himachal Pradesh in June. A refreshing blanket of snow has covered areas like Rohtang Pass in Kullu-Manali, the high peaks of Lahaul-Spiti, and Sach Pass in Chamba, drawing tourists towards the Himalayas.
Snow-Covered Peaks Enhance Attraction
The snowfall in the first week of June has once again given Himachal a winter tourism-like atmosphere. Snowfall is usually not expected during this season, but this unexpected weather blessing has given tourism a new boost. Snow-covered peaks, cool breezes, and clear blue skies have collectively attracted tourists to Kullu-Manali, Lahaul-Spiti, and Chamba-Khajiar.
Traditional tourist centers like Shimla, Kufri, Narkanda, Kasauli, Dharamshala, and McLeod Ganj are also witnessing a large influx of tourists. The hill station temperatures are significantly lower than normal, leading to a large number of people from the plains seeking relief in the mountains.
Traffic Congestion and Long Jams Create Problems
The massive influx of tourists has also put pressure on Shimla's traffic system. For the past three days, the main route through Shimla, Cart Road, has been experiencing gridlock during midday. On Friday, traffic slowed to a crawl from 12 noon onwards, with vehicles moving at a snail's pace for hours. The local administration is making special arrangements for parking and traffic control, but the sheer number of tourists is overwhelming the systems. In some parts of Shimla, tourists are taking a considerable amount of time to reach tourist spots from their hotels.
Mixed Response from the Hotel Industry
Gajendra Chand Thakur, President of the All Himachal Hotels and Restaurants Association, says that since the beginning of June, a large number of tourists have been seen at all major locations in Himachal. The situation becomes extremely busy, especially on weekends. However, according to Prince Kukreja, Vice President of the Shimla Hotel and Restaurant Association, despite the crowds, there has not been a significant increase in hotel occupancy.
On Friday, hotel occupancy in Shimla was only around 50 percent. Kukreja believes that many tourists are now opting for online homestays, budget lodges, or private accommodations, impacting the traditional hotel business.
Tourism Expected to Increase in the Coming Days
According to the Tourism Department, if the weather remains favorable and temperatures remain low, a further increase in the number of tourists can be expected in the coming weeks. The department has advised hotel operators and tour operators to provide better facilities for tourists. While the snowfall may have made June chilly, it has infused warmth into Himachal Pradesh's tourism industry. A significant contribution to the state's economy is expected from tourism in the coming days, provided effective control is maintained over traffic and systems.
