Hundreds of tourists were stranded overnight near the Atal Tunnel–Rohtang in Himachal Pradesh after sudden snowfall made roads extremely slippery and dangerous. Vehicles heading towards the Lahaul-Spiti region and Manali were forced to halt as traffic movement slowed drastically due to poor visibility and icy road conditions.

The snowfall began late in the evening and intensified during the night, catching many travelers off guard. As a result, long queues of vehicles formed near the tunnel, with many tourists spending hours — and in some cases the entire night — inside their cars.

Authorities said the snowfall led to hazardous driving conditions, especially on mountain roads where black ice formation makes braking difficult.

Hundreds Spend Night Inside Vehicles

According to local reports, hundreds of tourists and travelers were stuck inside their vehicles for hours as traffic remained stalled near the tunnel area. Many people had limited food and water supplies, making the night particularly challenging for families and elderly passengers.

Tourists traveling from Manali towards Lahaul or returning from sightseeing spots were among those affected. Some vehicles attempted to move forward slowly but were forced to stop due to the slippery road surface.

Local authorities and police teams were deployed to regulate traffic and guide stranded vehicles to safer locations whenever possible.

Administration Issues Safety Advisory

The district administration urged travelers to avoid unnecessary journeys in high-altitude areas during adverse weather conditions. Officials also advised tourists to check weather updates and road conditions before traveling to snow-prone destinations.

Authorities warned that snowfall combined with freezing temperatures significantly increases the risk of accidents, particularly on narrow mountain roads.

Snow clearance teams and road maintenance crews were sent to the affected stretches to clear accumulated snow and restore traffic flow.

Rain and Snow Forecast for the Next Six Days

Weather officials have predicted continued rainfall and snowfall activity across parts of Himachal Pradesh over the next six days. The extended wet spell could further affect road connectivity and tourist movement in popular destinations like Manali, Lahaul-Spiti, and nearby high-altitude regions.

Meteorologists say that intermittent rain and snow may lead to more slippery roads and reduced visibility, prompting authorities to remain on alert.

Tourists planning trips to Himachal Pradesh in the coming days have been advised to stay updated with weather forecasts and follow local travel advisories to avoid getting stranded.

Tourism Impact and Travel Caution

The incident once again highlights the challenges of traveling in mountainous regions during unpredictable weather. While snowfall attracts tourists to Himachal Pradesh every winter season, sudden weather changes often create logistical and safety challenges.

Officials have urged travelers to carry adequate supplies, drive cautiously, and strictly follow instructions from local authorities when visiting snowbound areas.

The administration continues to monitor the situation and is working to ensure safe movement of vehicles in the region as weather conditions evolve.