Manali/Keylong:
After nearly three weeks of silence under snow, the mountains are buzzing again.
With the Manali–Atal Tunnel National Highway finally reopened for tourist traffic, winter has reclaimed its most cheerful face.
Clear skies, towering snow walls and freshly carved roads have turned the drive towards Lahaul Valley into an experience tourists are calling “once-in-a-lifetime.”
The reopening of the Atal Tunnel has unleashed a surge of vehicles towards the north portal, where visitors are stopping in awe—phones out, engines off—just to soak in the sheer scale of snow piled along the highway.
The revival came after relentless efforts by the Border Roads Organisation, which also cleared the Manali–Marhi–Rohtang access.
That stretch, buried under more than four feet of snow after a series of spells, has quickly become a magnet for snow lovers, photographers and weekend adventurers.
Snow, Sun and Smiles
“The weather is perfect. Bright sun, crisp air, and snow everywhere—it feels unreal,” said a tourist from Delhi while walking waste-deep near the Rohtang slopes.
Similar scenes are playing out across upper Manali, where cafes are full, snow fights are constant and laughter echoes louder than engines.
Hoteliers in Manali and Sissu say occupancy has jumped sharply over the last few days as snow tourism gains momentum.
Many visitors are extending stays, unwilling to leave while the mountains are dressed in white.
Work Still On Beyond the Tunnel
While traffic has resumed up to the north portal, restoration work continues on the critical Kelong and Jispa–Darcha stretch.
The highway beyond, including the Tandi–Udaipur and Shamsari Nala routes leading towards the Kishtwar region of Jammu and Kashmir, remains under clearance.
BRO officials say the focus is on safety, with icy patches and avalanche-prone zones still being closely monitored.
Solang Turns Into a Winter Playground
Adding to the festive mood is Solang Nala, which is alive with colour and movement.
Ski courses by the Atal Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports are drawing beginners and thrill-seekers alike.
Skiing, short paragliding rides and guided snow walks are keeping tourists busy from morning to sunset.
Shimla–Narkanda Also Sees a Rush
The snow wave isn’t limited to Lahaul. Weekend tourists are steadily cruising towards Shimla and Narkanda, chasing open slopes and postcard views, selfies.
Higher circuits like Karapathar and Khirki, however, remain buried under nearly three feet of snow, reminding visitors that winter still rules the upper reaches.
For now, the mood is upbeat. Clear weather, reopened roads and fresh snow have given Himachal’s winter tourism a timely lift—one snowy spell at a time.
