Tourists Advised to Avoid High Altitude Areas in Kullu-Manali

In view of the unpredictable and threatening weather conditions around Kullu-Manali and Lahaul-Spiti, an advisory to tourists was released stating visitors and locals should avoid venturing into high altitude areas.

The meteorological department recently predicted that snowfall and rain in the coming days would increase chances of inclement weather and icy road conditions. 

In response to this, the administration has ordered that vehicles should not enter the Lahaul valley as weather changes quite suddenly in such areas, resulting in heavy snow which might trap visitors.

Incidents of visitors being trapped in snow-bound areas for days are not uncommon, and people often had to be rescued by the administration. 

Those planning to visit the Kullu-Manali high hills are strictly advised to follow the guidelines of the administration to avoid unwanted incidents.

After the recent snowfall left hundreds of tourists stranded at Atal Tunnel, the Lahaul-Spiti administration, observing the large crowds in spite of the bad weather, has decided to not let tourists enter the valley if the conditions are life threatening. 

Earlier, vehicles carrying tourists to Lahaul valley had to leave by 5pm but as inclement weather conditions gripped the area, the administration has ordered the visitors to leave the valley by 4pm at any cost.

The administration has asked the district police to coordinate with Kullu police for an effective implementation of the order. 

Kullu police have restricted tourist movement to Soland and Palchan as a response to strong prediction of heavy snowfall in the next few days.

The Solang-Atal Tunnel-Keylong highway experiences the threat of avalanche and landslides till late March and tourists who ply this 50km stretch of avalanche-prone highway can face accidents anytime.

A safer option near Manali, Gulaba, is being requested by the hoteliers to be kept open for tourists to experience snowfall without such dangers.