Winter Breathes New Life Into Kullu–Manali: Tourism Rebounds After a Disruptive Monsoon

Kullu–Manali Comes Alive Again: Winter Tourism Revives Hope After a Difficult Monsoon

Tourism operators in Kullu–Manali are looking ahead with optimism as roads reopen, fresh snow begins to fall, and the holiday season gets underway.

Rohtang Pass is once again buzzing with visitors, marking a welcome change after a severely disrupted monsoon that caused extensive damage to road infrastructure in Mandi and Kullu districts. Landslides, blocked highways and travel interruptions kept tourists away during what should have been peak season, making it one of the slowest years for a region heavily dependent on tourism.

Official data for 2025 shows that Kullu–Manali recorded 20,48,584 domestic tourists and 7,923 foreign visitors in the first nine months. Tourist numbers were steady in January (2,85,266 domestic; 689 foreign), February (2,37,272; 773), and March (2,65,388; 831), and climbed further in April (3,17,840) and May (3,37,181).

Winter Brings a Fresh Start

While the monsoon quietened the valley, winter is telling a different story. As the mountains receive a fresh layer of snow and the key roads are restored, travellers are returning with renewed confidence.

Hoteliers are reporting strong weekend turnouts, adventure operators are prepping ski runs and snow trails, and the festive season buzz is building once again. After months of near standstill, the valley finally feels alive.

If favourable weather and road connectivity continue, the coming weeks could restore both confidence and livelihoods—making this winter a much-needed recovery phase after a damaging monsoon.

The biggest surge this year came in June, when 4,92,533 domestic tourists arrived—typically the pre-monsoon rush. But numbers plummeted soon after: July saw only 72,670 domestic visitors, August dropped to 28,196, and September recorded just 12,238—the lowest of the year. Stakeholders attribute this steep decline directly to heavy rainfall, road damage and safety concerns.

Now, with stable weather and reports of fresh snowfall in higher altitudes, tourism operators, hotel owners, and adventure sports providers are hopeful. Weekend occupancy has already crossed 50%, signalling the beginning of recovery. With Christmas and New Year approaching, they expect footfall to rise sharply.

Kullu–Manali Tourism Development Board President Anoop Thakur said, “Improved road conditions on the Chandigarh–Manali highway have boosted traveller confidence. Local businesses—from hotels to taxi operators—are preparing for increased demand and offering winter packages, skiing and snowboarding activities, and promotional discounts.”

Tourism experts believe that if the weather remains stable and infrastructural improvements continue, Kullu–Manali could see a strong rebound, helping offset the heavy losses caused during the monsoon. The winter tourism cycle is expected to strengthen in the coming weeks, offering crucial relief to the region’s economy.