Heavy Snow Cripples Life in Lahaul-Spiti, Kullu and Mandi; Roads Blocked, Power Supply Hit Across Himachal Pradesh

Heavy snowfall across Himachal Pradesh’s Lahaul-Spiti, Kullu and Mandi districts has severely disrupted normal life, snapping road links, stranding vehicles and affecting power supply in several areas, officials said on Saturday.

Traffic on the Kiratpur–Manali National Highway has remained suspended beyond Patlikuhal towards Manali since Friday evening as continuous snowfall led to heavy snow accumulation, making the stretch unsafe for vehicles. Several vehicles were left stranded on the route.

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has deployed men and machinery to clear the snow and restore connectivity, but freezing temperatures and fresh snowfall are slowing down operations.

While essential services have been hit, many tourists stranded in Manali were seen enjoying the season’s fresh snowfall, thronging the Mall Road. Authorities, however, have urged visitors to avoid unnecessary travel and exercise caution.

Lahaul cut off, power lines damaged

The Lahaul valley has been completely cut off from the rest of the state due to heavy snowfall beyond Manali. Road access remains closed, creating difficulties for residents of several interior villages.

Power supply has also been disrupted in parts of Lahaul and Kullu after snow-laden trees damaged electricity lines. Restoration teams are working to repair the infrastructure, though officials said it could take time to fully restore services.

Mandi worst hit

Mandi district reported significant disruption, particularly in Gohar, Seraj and Karsog regions, where multiple roads have been blocked, affecting daily life and the movement of essential supplies.

Major routes closed include:

• Mandi–Kullu via Kataula
• Karsog–Rampur
• Karsog–Shimla
• Kamand–Prashar
• Ghatasni–Barot
• Several link roads

The Public Works Department (PWD) and Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board Limited (HPSEBL) are working round the clock to clear snow and restore power.

Shimla highway also affected

The Chandigarh–Shimla highway was also blocked beyond Shoghi towards Shimla, while several rural roads in the district remained closed. Power disruptions were reported from multiple localities.

Advisory issued

District administrations of Lahaul-Spiti, Kullu and Mandi have advised both residents and tourists to avoid non-essential travel, particularly in high-altitude and avalanche-prone areas.

Officials said the situation is being closely monitored and further advisories will be issued depending on weather conditions.

Read Also : Himachal Pradesh Weather : Shimla receives season’s first snowfall, three-month dry spell ends across Himachal