Snowfall in Koksar across the Atal Tunnel on Thursday afternoon.
Jaswant Thakur, Manali. There has been snowfall on the hills of Manali, the famous tourist destination of Himachal Pradesh and across Rohtang and Atal Tunnel on the very first day of the new year. Today the tourists who have gone to Koksar to see the snow are being welcomed with snow. Tourists who came to celebrate New Year enjoyed the snowfall here. More than half a foot of snow has fallen on Rohtang and Shinkula, Baralacha and Kunjam passes, four inches in Zanskar-Samdo, three inches in Koksar and two inches around Atal Tunnel.
Traffic stopped for Rohtang and Shinkula
On Wednesday, on New Year's Eve, there was snowfall on Rohtang Pass including Shinkula, Koksar, Atal Tunnel and all the high peaks. Due to snowfall, vehicular movement has been stopped for Rohtang and Shinkula Pass since Wednesday.
Celebrating new year in snowfall
Tourists coming to Atal Tunnel and Koksar were welcomed with snow showers. Four by four vehicles reached beyond Koksar, while normal vehicles reached Atal Tunnel and Sissu. Tourists had a lot of fun in the snow and enjoyed snow sports including photography.
Thousands of tourists camped waiting for snowfall
Thousands of tourists have camped in Manali in the hope of snow on Mall Road, Manali. After celebrating the New Year, some tourists have started their return journey, while most of them are still staying in Manali. The weather department has also said that there will be snowfall. Although currently the snowfall is limited to the mountains, it is expected that there will be snowfall in the valley also by late evening.
Rohtang Pass is closed due to snowfall
SDM Manali Raman Kumar Sharma said that in view of the snowfall, Rohtang Pass has been closed for tourists. He said that the movement of tourists in the pass will depend on the weather conditions.