Himachal sees fresh snowfall, traffic suspended on key passes in Lahaul and Spiti

Continuous snowfall has been reported since late Thursday at Shinku La, Baralacha Pass and Kunzum Top, as well as in the higher reaches of Manali.Police have advised the public and tourists to avoid high-altitude areas until the weather and road conditions improve.Shimla,Nov 13, 2026 10:22 ISTFresh snowfall in the higher reaches and mountain passes of Himachal Pradesh's Lahaul and Spiti district has triggered cold wave conditions in adjoining valleys and prompted travel restrictions, news agency Press Trust of India reported.Police have advised the public and tourists to avoid high-altitude areas until the weather and road conditions improve.Continuous snowfall has been reported since late Thursday at Shinku La Pass, Baralacha Pass, Kunzum Top and other high-altitude areas. Snowfall has also begun in the higher reaches of Manali.Road conditions in the high-altitude areas of Lahaul and Spiti have become unsafe for vehicles. Traffic towards Shinku La and Baralacha passes was suspended under an advisory issued by police on Friday, PTI reported. #WATCH | Himachal Pradesh | Fresh snowfall began early this morning in Rohtang Pass and Marhi, recording approximately 4–5 inches of snow at Rohtang Pass and 1 inch at Marhi. According to Manali Police, vehicular movement from Marhi towards Rohtang Pass is completely suspended. Only emergency vehicles are permitted. Necessary instructions have been issued at the Gulaba Barrier and vehicles that have already reached Marhi are being safely sent back towards Manali.— ANI (@ANI) November 13, 2026 Vehicle movement towards Kunzum Top has also been suspended, while the route towards Chhatru has been closed. In emergencies, only four-wheel-drive vehicles fitted with proper snow chains may be allowed, depending on an assessment of the road and weather conditions, the advisory said.The snowfall has also led to the closure of roads connecting Rohtang to Koksar, Darcha to Sarchu, Gramphu to Batal, Losar to Batal and Rohli to Kadhu Nullah in Lahaul and Spiti district. The district administration and police have asked residents and tourists to follow official advisories and avoid travelling to high-altitude areas. Vehicle movement is also being restricted beyond Gulaba in Manali.Videos of the snowfall have appeared on social media, raising hopes among tourism industry stakeholders of an increase in tourist footfall."Tourists from the plains, particularly Delhi and the National Capital Region, have already been making a beeline for Himachal Pradesh's hill resorts to escape the post-Diwali air pollution, and the fresh snowfall is expected to add to the state's appeal," Monty, who is associated with adventure tourism in Manali, told PTI.The Shimla meteorological office had issued a yellow alert on Thursday for thunderstorms and lightning at isolated places in the state on Friday and Saturday. It had also forecast a spell of wet weather until November 15.With fresh snowfall making several high-altitude roads unsafe, traffic has been suspended or restricted on key routes in Lahaul and Spiti and Manali, while people have been advised to stay away from the affected areas until conditions improve.- Ends