Manali is a perfect winter getaway, attracting thousands of tourists every year with its snow-capped mountains, scenic landscapes, and adventure activities. This year, the popular tourist spot and the surrounding regions of Himachal Pradesh are witnessing a huge surge in visitors. Scroll down to know more!
Massive Traffic Jam In Manali
The rise in tourist numbers has led to heavy traffic across the region. According to The New Indian Express, from December 21 to 27, over 13,000 vehicles from other states entered Manali. During the same period, more than 34,000 vehicles passed through the Atal Tunnel on the Manali-Leh highway, showing a significant increase in travel towards Lahaul and Spiti. Many visitors are reportedly leaving Delhi and other plains due to toxic air.
Traffic jams are common now in key areas such as the town entrance, Old Manali road, Prini, Aleo, Vashisht villages, Hadimba Temple route, and along the Manali-Leh highway. The Atal Tunnel alone saw 6,848 vehicles enter on December 27, and 7,237 on December 26, marking the highest numbers so far this season. Earlier weeks also showed a rising trend in vehicle movement, with over 33,500 vehicles entering Manali between December 1 and 27.
Bookings And Snowfall In Manali
Other tourist spots, including Solang Valley and Shinkula Pass, are bustling with visitors, reported The New Indian Express. Most hotels reported full occupancy during Christmas, and bookings for New Year’s Eve continue to rise. According to Gajender Thakur, President of the Federation of Himachal Hotels and Restaurant Association, Manali has around 45,000 rooms across hotels, homestays, and B&Bs. These rooms can accommodate up to 90,000 tourists. Aaround 95% of rooms are already booked, and numbers are expected to remain high until January 5. Online hotel bookings have also seen a sharp increase.
The tourist spot is currently experiencing a dry spell, but fresh snowfall and rainfall are expected from December 30, 2025. The Meteorological Department has warned that a western disturbance will bring light snowfall and isolated rain in the middle and higher hill areas until January 1. Lower hill regions and plains are likely to experience dense fog in early mornings and late evenings. Orange and yellow weather warnings have been issued for districts including Bilaspur, Mandi, Una, Hamirpur, Kangra, Solan, and Sirmaur.
Are you also planning a trip to Manali this winter? Tell us in the comments below!
Also Read: Report: Winter Bookings Jump By 27% As Indians Head To Manali, Nainital &; Offbeat Spots In 2025
Cover Image Courtesy: X/@avtarBhati