Himachal Pradesh News
Snow Chaos in Manali Ends: 10,000 Tourists Rescued After 48-Hour Survival Ordeal
What began as a dream winter getaway quickly turned into a nightmare for thousands of tourists in Himachal Pradesh’s Manali region, as relentless snowfall brought traffic to a standstill and left nearly 10,000 people stranded in freezing conditions.
What began as a dream winter getaway quickly turned into a nightmare for thousands of tourists in Himachal Pradesh’s Manali region, as relentless snowfall brought traffic to a standstill and left nearly 10,000 people stranded in freezing conditions.
After an intense 48-hour rescue mission, authorities have now successfully evacuated all tourists, marking one of the largest winter rescue operations in the region.
The crisis unfolded late Sunday when heavy snowfall blocked the crucial route between the Atal Tunnel and Solang Valley. Within hours, around 2,000 vehicles—packed with tourists—were stuck on snow-covered roads, unable to move due to slippery conditions and poor visibility.
As temperatures dropped sharply, many tourists were forced to spend long, sleepless nights inside their vehicles, battling the cold and uncertainty. Families, children, and elderly travelers waited anxiously as rescue teams worked non-stop to reach them.
The large-scale rescue operation involved coordinated efforts from the district administration, police, and the Border Roads Organisation (BRO). Snow-clearing machines were deployed continuously, while officials on the ground managed traffic and ensured safe evacuation routes.
Kullu Deputy Commissioner Anurag Chander Sharma confirmed that all stranded tourists were safely moved from the Lahaul side towards Manali. “Despite extremely challenging weather conditions, the operation was completed successfully through teamwork and timely action,” he said.
Senior officers, including police and administrative officials, remained present on-site throughout the operation, closely monitoring the situation and guiding rescue efforts step by step.
By Tuesday, even the last batch of around 320 vehicles stuck near the Atal Tunnel’s South Portal had been cleared and sent safely towards Manali. Following this, authorities resumed controlled vehicle movement through the tunnel.
While the immediate crisis has been resolved, the impact of heavy snowfall continues to disrupt normal life in the region. Several key routes in Lahaul Valley—including Tandi-Udaipur, Darcha-Shinkula, and Keylong-Atal Tunnel roads—remain blocked, affecting transportation services.
Officials have now issued an advisory urging tourists to stay cautious, check weather updates before travelling, and strictly follow administration guidelines to avoid similar situations.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of how quickly weather conditions can change in Himachal’s high-altitude regions—turning a scenic holiday into a survival challenge within hours.
