Parts of Himachal including Rohtang pass and Lahaul valley witnessed the first snowfall of the season on Sunday night that resulted in plunging of the mercury to minus 1 degree Celsius at Keylong. The high altitude peaks of Himachal including Rohtang, Kunzum, Baralacha, parts of Pir Panjal and Dhauldadhar mountain ranges received light snow. Keylong, Jispa and Darcha in Lahaul were covered with a thin sheet of snow that melted away in few minutes on Monday morning. The peaks around Lahaul and Manali were covered with a fresh white blanket on Monday morning. However, the snow disappeared soon after the sunrise. Manali also experienced some drizzling after a gap of two months. With this, the temperature in mid and high hills has dropped suddenly. Night temperature in many places has dropped below the freezing point. Keylong, district headquarters of Lahaul-Spiti district, recorded the lowest temperature of minus 1 degrees C, the lowest of the season. Kalpa and Manali recorded minimum temperature of 2.7 and 4.2 degrees C. Minimum temperature of Shimla was recorded at 11.1 degrees C. According to Shimla meteorological centre, the minimum temperature in the state decreased by 1 to 2 degrees C in the last 24 hours and overall minimum temperature of Himachal was also 1 to 2 degrees C below the normal for this time of the season. However, the weatherman has predicted dry weather conditions in the next seven days. A large number of tourists on Monday morning rushed to Lahaul and Rohtang pass to see the fresh snow. Rohtang pass and Baralacha pass have received 5cm to 8cm of fresh snow. The light snowfall partially interrupted traffic on Leh-Manali highway in the early morning. However, traffic is moving without any problem since the afternoon. The hoteliers are still waiting for heavy snowfall on the
Parts of Himachal including Rohtang pass and Lahaul valley witnessed the first snowfall of the season on Sunday night that resulted in plunging of the mercury to minus 1 degree Celsius at Keylong. The high altitude peaks of Himachal including Rohtang, Kunzum, Baralacha, parts of Pir Panjal and Dhauldadhar mountain ranges received light snow. Keylong,
While Dussehra ended in rest parts of the country on Vijayadashmi, the weeklong Dussehra festivities of Kullu started on Sunday with the rath yatra of the Lord Raghunath in presence of just eight deities and a limited number of people. While Kullu Dussehra Committee had sent invitations to 331 deities and thousands of people were present in the rath yatra last year, a limited number of people were present in the rath yatra along with eight deities this year. The deities first paid obeisance to the Lord Raghunath, presiding deity of the festivity and then performed the rituals. The rituals of the festivities start from the royal palace where royal family dressed in traditional attire performs the rituals. Rituals started after arrival of the palanquin of Devi Hidimba. The idol of the Lord Raghunath is then brought to Rath ground for rath yatra. Not all people were allowed to pull the chariot. Administration had finalised 200 devotees for this purpose. All the devotees pulling chariot and those in procession of the deities had to undergo Covid-19 test. The chariot was pulled from Rath ground to the middle of the Dhalpur ground where it will stay for six days. The valley was echoing with the divine music of drums and trumpets. However, a limited number of musicians were allowed with each procession of the deity. On seventh day the chariot will be wheeled to the bank of Beas river to perform final rituals and then it will be brought back to Rath ground. The deities will camp at historic Dhalpur ground till October 31. Covid-19 pandemic forced administration not to invite over 300 deities of the valley this year which otherwise had caused huge crowd. Palanquins of only seven deities were allowed to come to Dussehra venue to perform the major
While Dussehra ended in rest parts of the country on Vijayadashmi, the weeklong Dussehra festivities of Kullu started on Sunday with the rath yatra of the Lord Raghunath in presence of just eight deities and a limited number of people. While Kullu Dussehra Committee had sent invitations to 331 deities and thousands of people were
On this page, we shall keep updating the Coronavirus Disease (Covid-19) impacts on the Himachal and Kullu Manali Tourism. Update on Sept 21, 2020 Tourist buses stopped from entering Himachal All the tourist buses that were plying on Delhi-Manali route were prevented from entering the Himachal at Swarghat in Bilaspur district on Monday as they were engaged in inter-state movement without government permission, transport department officials said. A large number of tourists were asked to leave the buses and they had to continue their journey in the taxis. Citing Himachal government’s decision not to start interstate bus service amid Covid-19 pandemic, the regional transport officers stopped the buses and challaned them. Most of the Volvo buses were ferrying tourists for a long time. The officials had laid naka at Swarghat where buses were stopped in the wee hours and tourists were told that buses cannot drop them at the destination. An official said that the action was taken as interstate bus movement is not allowed in the state. “The buses that had left for Himachal on Sunday evening were stopped at the state entry point. Taxis were arranged for the tourists from the taxi union,” he said. Volvo buses are the main transport option to travel to Kullu-Manali from Delhi and Chandigarh. As Himachal has limited flight services, most of tourists visit Himachal in Volvo buses. Tourists avoid travelling in small taxis due to long and hectic journey and poor road condition. A few Volvo buses were providing their services to ferry stranded people and to bring labourers to the state. After state government decided to open Himachal for tourists in July first week, some of the tourists started travelling in these buses. Now that state borders have been thrown open for all from September 16, number of tourists
On this page, we shall keep updating the Coronavirus Disease (Covid-19) impacts on the Himachal and Kullu Manali Tourism. Update on Sept 21, 2020 Tourist buses stopped from entering Himachal All the tourist buses that were plying on Delhi-Manali route were prevented from entering the Himachal at Swarghat in Bilaspur district on Monday as
On this page, we shall keep you updated about all happenings, news, work progress, history, VIP visits and everything happening at Atal Rohtang Tunnel (Rohtang Tunnel) in Manali. Work on Atal Rohtang Tunnel, an 8.8km long engineering marvel connecting Manali with Lahaul on Manali-Leh highway, started on June 28, 2010 and it will be dedicated to the nation by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in September 2020. Timeline of sequence of events at Atal Rohtang Tunnel (now Atal Tunnel, Rohtang) Atal Tunnel Specifications Project Cost (As on 13 July, 2020): INR 3,500 Crore Length of Atal Tunnel: 8.8 KM Mountain Range: Pir Panjal Distance of tunnel from Manali: 25 KM Distance of tunnel from Keylong: 40 KM Distance of tunnel from Rohtang pass: 26 KM Shape of tunnel: Horseshoe Tunnel method: New Austria Tunneling Method (NATM) which uses drilling, blasting and digging Width of tunnel: 10m Altitude of the tunnel: 9,840ft to 10,170ft Tunnel designed for vehicular speed: 80 km per hour Temperature at south portal of Atal Tunnel at Dhundi: 28 degrees C (summers) to - 20 degrees C (winters) Temperature at north portal of Atal Tunnel near Sissu in Lahaul: 30 degrees C (summers) to - 30 degrees C (winters) Overburden: Maximum overburden (Pir Panjal mountain range) of 1,900m and average of over 600m Emergency escape route: An emergency tunnel (2.25m high and 3.6m wide) is running below the main carriageway/highway Vehicle capacity: 3,000 cars and 1,500 trucks Designed speed: Maximum speed of 80 km per hour and minimum speed of 30 km per hour. Features of Atal Tunnel The approach road to Atal tunnel is being secured by avalanche protection structures at avalanche-prone sites. Besides emergency exit tunnel below main tunnel, high efficiency fire sensing and extinguishing mechanism is being installed. A semi-transverse ventilation system. CCTV cameras being
On this page, we shall keep you updated about all happenings, news, work progress, history, VIP visits and everything happening at Atal Rohtang Tunnel (Rohtang Tunnel) in Manali. Work on Atal Rohtang Tunnel, an 8.8km long engineering marvel connecting Manali with Lahaul on Manali-Leh highway, started on June 28, 2010 and it will be dedicated
On this page, we shall keep you updated about snow and snowfall status at Rohtang pass, Solang Valley, Manali and other tourist places of Kullu-Manali in 2020. (If this page is not loading properly in your browser, click on the above image) Update on January 09, 2020 Tourists have tough time as snow blocks roads in Manali As heavy snowfall in Manali blocked all the roads here since Tuesday evening, thousands of tourists remained stranded in the roads for hours without meal and water. While heavy snowfall brought joy to some tourists and farmers, it has also bought troubles with it. A large number of tourists got stuck between Kullu and Manali on Tuesday night as the road had become slippery after thick layer of snow deposited on the surface. While many tourists missed their buses, trains and flights, many had to walk on snow for hours to reach destination along with kids and elderly. Snowfall continued for the whole day on Wednesday and tourists got no relief. The road became motorable from Kullu to Aluground, 5km from here, but vehicles could not move beyond it for the whole day. This resulted in long traffic jam and hundreds of tourist vehicles got stranded here. Many tourists parked their cars on the roadsides and searched for shelter to spend the night. Almost all the hotels, guesthouses and homestays between Kullu and Manali were fully occupied by tourists on Tuesday late night. Nearly 40 tourist buses leaves Manali for Delhi and similar number of buses come to Manali from Delhi every day. The tourist buses could not come beyond Patlikuhal, 18km from here, and tourists were dropped in the mid-way. Similarly, thousands of tourists stuck in Manali had to reach Patlikuhal to catch their bus to Delhi. As only four-wheel drive vehicles
On this page, we shall keep you updated about snow and snowfall status at Rohtang pass, Solang Valley, Manali and other tourist places of Kullu-Manali in 2020. (If this page is not loading properly in your browser, click on the above image) Update on January 09, 2020 Tourists have tough time as snow blocks roads
Kullu-Manali attracts over 35 lakh domestic and foreigner tourists annually and not all are fascinated by the mountains, glaciers and rivers of the valley – some of them visit the Himalayan valley in search of “Malana Cream”, the world’s best charas. Former Himachal Pradesh chief minister Prem Kumar Dhumal once said: “When I was giving my introduction to a representative of Israeli senate in an international conclave, he left me stunned with words that he has listened about Kasol in India where high class marijuana is available. He shared his thought that a large number of people in Israel after completing mandatory military services rush to Kasol in Kullu to relieve themselves by puffing marijuana.” Over 98% of the tourists visit the valley to enjoy nature and adventure sports. Still, some tourists are reported to have visited the valley only for charas. Such tourists prefer staying in remote villages for a long time period. Police, who don’t want to put a negative impact on tourism, frequently lay nakas in such areas to search for the vehicles and pedestrians. As many as 161 foreigners have been booked under NDPS Act in last 15 years. The number of domestic tourists is even more. This doesn’t mean that all tourists visit Kullu-Manali for charas. Majority of tourists, both Indian and Foreigners, do not know that charas is produced in Kullu and is available here. Some people here say though charas put negative impact on youth but it is helping in rise in tourist footfall. A large number of local residents and politicians have been demanding to legalize cannabis cultivation, but fearing its misuse to make charas has forced lawmakers to make strict rules under NDPS Act. High on charas, foreigners bring notoriety to land of gods What attracts lakhs of backpackers from abroad to Kullu valley every year?
Kullu-Manali attracts over 35 lakh domestic and foreigner tourists annually and not all are fascinated by the mountains, glaciers and rivers of the valley – some of them visit the Himalayan valley in search of “Malana Cream”, the world’s best charas. Former Himachal Pradesh chief minister Prem Kumar Dhumal once said: “When I was giving my introduction
Work from the mountains (WFM) or work from the hills (WFH) is trending fast in India as IT professionals, businessmen and others are opting for long stays in hotels or guesthouses located in a peaceful place close to the nature in the picturesque Kullu-Manali. Imagine working from a place amidst snow-capped high mountain peaks and lush green deep valleys with cold breeze kissing your face. The chirping birds and sound of glacier-fed water streams refreshing your mind. Fast-flowing rivers and glacier-fed waterfalls just in the neighbourhood. You enjoy your work while having a cup of ginger tea during sunrise and sunset. You are working like office but it is more like a holiday trip. This seems to be an otherworldly imagination. But just a thought of all this make you excited and full of energy, forgetting everything about Covid-19 pandemic. But this is true as a large number of people from metros and other cities are already working from mountains. Hundreds of queries are pouring in every day where tourists are looking for an ideal location with good internet connectivity. Such professionals want to make their room or balcony or the courtyard a temporary workplace. Many IT companies have asked their employees that they can work from home since December 31. The work from home concept is working fine for lakhs of employees in India. But, work-from-home is now less popular than work-from-mountains. The boredom of working from home can be super-excited if you change your home temporarily to the mountains. WFM or Work from Mountains is a new trend in the country and Kullu-Manali has emerged as the best destination as the area has very few Covid-19 cases and people here are giving warm welcome to the outsiders. What is Work from Mountains (WFM) Work from Mountain or
Work from the mountains (WFM) or work from the hills (WFH) is trending fast in India as IT professionals, businessmen and others are opting for long stays in hotels or guesthouses located in a peaceful place close to the nature in the picturesque Kullu-Manali. Imagine working from a place amidst snow-capped high mountain peaks and
While Himachal government has opened its border to tourists without need of e-pass or any formality, the residents of Spiti valley, including tourism stakeholders, have decided not to host tourists this year as they believe handling of Covid-19 patients during harsh winters of valley will be near to impossible. The decision to remain shut was taken by Spiti Tourism Society after meeting of hoteliers, homestay owners, tourist guides, taxi drivers, panchayat representatives, beopar mandal, mahila mandal, yuvak mandal and Commitee for Preventive Measures and Sustainable Development (CPMSD), a committee which is formed by the residents to fight Covid-19. It was decided in the meeting that all tourism activities including jeep safari, trekking, camping and package tours shall remain closed in 2020. However, it was also decided that no tourist will be allowed to enter the Spiti valley till October 31 and they will decide on future course after holding another meeting. For now, the tourism stakeholders were asked not to accept booking until next year. Sonam Targe, member of Spiti Tourism Society said, this tough decision was taken considering the consequences of the pandemic that it can have on high altitude region of Spiti which has limited medical facilities, underdeveloped infrastructure and extreme geographical conditions with harsh winters. “Winter season is setting in and Spiti will be more vulnerable as people in medical need will need to be taken outside the Spiti for treatment amid limited connectivity. We have managed to keep the disease out of the valley. Residents here are dependent on tourism for livelihood but they are sacrificing everything to protect themselves. We have requested tourists to postpone their travel plans to next season when the Spiti valley will be safest destination to travel,” he said. Spiti residents have been in controversy for taking strict decisions to keep
While Himachal government has opened its border to tourists without need of e-pass or any formality, the residents of Spiti valley, including tourism stakeholders, have decided not to host tourists this year as they believe handling of Covid-19 patients during harsh winters of valley will be near to impossible. The decision to remain shut was
Synopsis: With inauguration of Atal Tunnel, Rohtang, just around the corner, this is a historical moment for the nation. But this is much more than just an inauguration of a project for residents of Lahaul, Pangi and Killar. This is the “tunnel of hope” that will bring fortune to the valley and set them free from centuries of imprisonment. A “Thank-You” programme held at Manali under the banner of Lahaul-Spiti Eco Tourism Society and Layul Utsav Committee where the officials of Border Roads Organization (BRO) and Afcons, the engineers, security personnel, designers and many others were given the honour by presenting them Lahauli cap, muffler, Buddhist khata, socks and plants. The tribals of Lahaul valley are celebrating the completion of the Atal tunnel, Rohtang, which will give them freedom from six months of imprisonment in winter months. The happy residents are organising a series of functions to honour all those who are involved in the making of this tunnel. The tunnel is ready and is expected to be open to general traffic by end of this month. With this, the residents will enter an all-new era where they can travel outside their valley even during winter months. As this dream of bypassing deadly Rohtang pass has been fulfilled after over 50 years, the residents under banner of Lahaul-Spiti Eco Tourism Society and Layul Utsav Committee expressed their gratitude towards key persons who helped in approval of this project and the engineers and officials who build the tunnel by honouring them in traditional style on Sunday. The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) officials, the engineers, security personnel, designers and many others were given the honour by presenting them Lahauli cap, muffler, Buddhist khata, socks and plants. Some media persons and panchayat representatives close to the tunnel portals in Lahaul and Manali were
Synopsis: With inauguration of Atal Tunnel, Rohtang, just around the corner, this is a historical moment for the nation. But this is much more than just an inauguration of a project for residents of Lahaul, Pangi and Killar. This is the “tunnel of hope” that will bring fortune to the valley and set them free
Ultramarathon runner Kieren D’souza has set a new record by running across two mountain passes with altitude more than 13,000ft, covering total distance of 126km in less than 19 hours. The trained mountaineers and trekkers otherwise take 6 to 10 days to cover the same route. This ultra-running starting and ending at Manali involved traversing Hamta pass (14,000ft) and Rohtang pass (13,050ft) held under observation of Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports (ABVIMAS) on September 5 midnight. This run was given a name “triple trouble run” for its three hurdles Manali to Hamta pass, Hamta pass to Rohtang pass and Rohtang pass to Manali. Kieren didn’t stop until he completes the whole run at about 7pm in Manali. Manali-Hamta pass-Chhatru is a popular trekking route among India and foreigner trekkers. Hamta Pass trekking is completed in four days. Kieren completed this stretch in just a few hours. Chhatru to Rohtang and then Rohtang to Manali stretch was also completed in just few hours. Trekkers generally take a minimum of nine to 10 days to complete this circuit but Kieren D'souza completed it in 19 hours. ABVIMAS director Col Neeraj Rana said the race held under the close watch of two observers from the institute. “Kieren has completed the race in 18 hours 55 minutes. Nobody has done this before,” Kieren D'souza said. Before this, Kieren D'souza accomplished almost impossible task of climbing 17,300ft high Mt Friendship peak in just one day in June. He started running from Manali, reached Beas Kund, the base of the peak, successfully climbed the snow-laden peak, climbed down, and ran back to Manali in just 12 hours. Trained mountaineers take days in planning and then at least five days to climb it. Kieren D'souza hails from Nagpur but lives in Manali. He
Ultramarathon runner Kieren D’souza has set a new record by running across two mountain passes with altitude more than 13,000ft, covering total distance of 126km in less than 19 hours. The trained mountaineers and trekkers otherwise take 6 to 10 days to cover the same route. This ultra-running starting and ending at Manali involved traversing
