Lahaul Valley of Himachal Pradesh in the northern part of the country has become the most popular tourist destination of Himachal due to its easy approach after the opening of the Atal Tunnel, Rohtang. Thousands of tourists are visiting Lahaul Valley every day to enjoy its breathtaking beauty.
In 2022, as many as 6,22,988 vehicles carrying about 20 lakh tourists entered Lahaul valley via tunnel from Manali besides some tourists reaching here via Leh-Keylong and Kaza-Koksar road.
Lahaul Valley, which further has many small valleys, is home to the beautiful landscapes, towering peaks, deep valleys, hanging glaciers, rivers, monasteries, temples, a mix of Hindu-Buddhist cultures and winding roads. Lahaul and Spiti are two sub-divisions of Lahaul-Spiti district. Lahaul and Spiti are divided by the mighty Kunzum pass. However, jurisdiction of Spiti valley begins from Koksar, beyond Gramphu, but its first village is Losar, on the other side of the Kunzum pass. Keylong in Lahaul is the administrative headquarters of the district.
Lahaul-Spiti is the largest district of Himachal in terms of geographical area. Lahaul-Spiti is popularly known as mini-Ladakh for its Ladakh-like landscapes. Lahaul-Spiti is also known as the cold deserts of Himachal due to its high altitude barren lands and extremely cold temperature. The district is the coldest in Himachal, with temperature at many places plunging below minus 25 degrees Celsius in winter season. Spiti is colder than Lahaul but many places of Lahaul also record below minus 20 degrees C of temperature.
How to reach Lahaul Valley
Lahaul valley is just 33 km from Manali along the Manali-Leh highway. The valley starts from the northern end of the Atal tunnel. Atal tunnel is the bridge between Manali and Lahaul. Before tunnel, Lahaul was reachable via Rohtang pass. Rohtang top, 51 km from Manali, is the boundary of Manali and Lahaul valley. District headquarter Keylong is 72km from Manali. Sarchu is the last point of Lahaul on the Manali-Leh highway.
Places to visit in Lahaul Valley
Lahaul is a new tourist place for most of the people which attracted attention after opening of the Atal tunnel on October 3. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had addressed people of Lahaul and the whole nation from Lahaul’s Sissu village, 5km from the tunnel, after its inauguration. Lahaul has a large number of tourist places and the popular ones are:
- Tandi Sangam (confluence of Chandra and Bhaga rivers which give birth to Chenab river at Tandi)
- Sissu Nursery, Sissu Lake and Sissu waterfall
- Rohtang pass (from Koksar (Lahaul) side)
- Shinkula (Shingola) Pass
- Mini Manali (little beyond Udaipur)
- Gondhla Fort
- Neel Kanth Mahadev Lake
- Ghepan Lake
- Deepak Tal (Lake)
- Suraj Tal (Lake)
- Baralacha pass
- Sarchu
- Miyar Valley
- Keylong
- Udaipur
- Triloknath
Monasteries and Temples in Lahaul
- Trilokinath Temple (A Shiva temple revered by both Hindus and Buddhists)
- Mrikula Mata Temple at Udaipur
- Raja Ghepan Temple, Sissu
- Kardang Gompa (monastery)
- Shashur Gompa (near Keylong)
- Guru Ghantaal Gompla above Tupchiling village
- Tayul Gompa (near Stingri)
- Gemur Gompa
10 Things to do in Lahaul Valley
- Night Camping with Star Gazing
- Bike Riding on windy roads
- Cycling
- Wildlife watching
- River Rafting in Chandra Bhaga river (Still to launch)
- Experience lifestyle and unique culture of local tribals
- Experience the winter season of Lahaul
- Skiing (in the winter season)
- Trekking
- Buy local handicraft
Is Lahaul Valley safe for tourists
Similar to other parts of Himachal, Lahaul valley is extremely safe for tourists. The residents are tourist-friendly and the region has never witnessed militancy or other terror activities. The valley is far away from the border area. However, travel to Lahaul valley sometimes become risky after snowfall due to risk of avalanches and slippery road conditions. Tourists should follow the guidelines issued by local police and the administration from time to time. Follow traffic rules, drive within the speed limit, avoid night travel and we prefer hiring local driver or local guide.
Is permit required to visit Lahaul Valley
No, there is no need to obtain any kind of permit or pass to visit Lahaul valley via Atal tunnel. However, Kullu administration sometimes asks tourists to obtain a permit to use the Rohtang pass highway. National Green Tribunal has ordered Himachal government to limit the number of vehicles going to Rohtang pass but there is no limit to go beyond Rohtang pass. Lahaul administration was mulling imposing green tax on vehicles entering the valley but the proposal is still under consideration.
Covid-19 Cases in Lahaul Valley
The population of Lahaul-Spiti district is just close to 32,000 and based on population ratio, Lahaul-Spiti district is one of the worst hit by Covid-19. However, as the district is vast in terms of geographical area and population density is very less, tourists need not to worry about the coronavirus unless they do not comply with goverment guidelines.
How to plan a trip to Lahaul Valley
If you have planned a trip to Manali, you can spare a full day to explore major places of Lahaul valley. You can return back to Manali via Atal tunnel on the same day. But, if you want to enjoy the beauty of Lahaul without being hasty, you should stay in the valley for one or two nights. After staying at Manali on first day of your trip, you can move to Lahaul via Solang valley and Atal tunnel (or Rohtang pass).
Where to stay in Lahaul
Keylong, Jispa, Sissu and Udaipur are the preferable places to spend a night.
Hotels in Lahaul valley
Lahaul has a large number of hotels, guesthouses, homestay units and camping sites. Keylong, Jispa and Sissu have many hotels, guesthouses and homestays. There are dozens of homestay units in many villages of Lahaul. Udaipur has also some guesthouses and homestays. A large number of camping sites have been developed in the valley in recent years between Sissu and Darcha.
Winter tourism in Lahaul
Lahaul is known for its extreme winter season. Some areas here get over 10ft of snow. Before this season, visiting Lahaul in winter season was impossible as snowfall on Rohtang pass used to cut off Lahaul from the rest of the country for five to six months. Winter access to Lahaul is possible only because of 9.02 km-long Atal tunnel. The Lahaul-Spiti administration is preparing to welcome tourists in winter season for the first time. Yes, you heart it right. Lahaul will remain open for tourists this winter. Winter Carnival, skiing and other activities are planned in the valley to attract more tourists this winter. Sourc
Lahaul’s Sissu to remain closed for 50 days to maintain “divine silence”
Updated on January 10, 2023
The gram panchayat of Sissu, the main tourist destination of Lahaul valley at the northern end of Atal tunnel, has decided not to welcome tourists in the panchayat for the next 50 days so that they could perform different religious activities without noise.
The panchayat passed a resolution that hotels, homestays and guesthouses will not take booking starting from January 10 upto to February 28. Sissu being the most popular tourist spot which is visited by lakhs of tourists every year, the residents have decided not to offer any services like eateries, tea, photography or other tourism-related services to discourage tourists from visiting the place. The panchayat has requested the deputy commissioner, superintendent of police, SDM and other panchayat representatives of the district to cooperate them.
Sissu panchayat president Rajeev said, “Raja Ghepan committee, Devi Boti committee, Labrang gompa committee, all the youth and women clubs have decided to shut all tourism activities from Tuesday onwards. We will start worships of all the deities from Tuesday. Also, the popular Halda festival will start on January 15, followed by Dron and Puna festivals which are celebrated in the new year. We have to maintain silence in the region. So, not only villages but also the tourist spots of Sissu lake, nursery and helipad need to go silent. We have also requested the district administration to help us remain tourist-free for some days.”
He said tourists will have some inconvenience for some days but nothing is more important than religion and deities. He said there should not be much impact on tourism as these places generally remain disconnected for general movement after snowfall. The residents will return to normal activities, farm works and businesses only after 50 days.
Sissu, home to God Raja Ghepan, the most revered deity of Lahaul valley, has become the main tourist spot as all tourists visiting Atal tunnel take a small or night halt here. A large number of tourism activities, hotels and homestays have emerged here. The economy of the region has witnessed a boom in recent years due to tourism. The residents say, they have unwavering faith in their deities and will not compromise with religious activities at any cost.
Tourists throng Lahaul to enjoy snow
Updated on December 17, 2022
As snow in most of the tourist places in Himachal has disappeared due to prevailing dry weather conditions, tourists have thronged Lahaul valley to enjoy the snow and ice these days.
Hundreds of tourists are visiting Lahaul valley every day only to see snow. Tourists are enjoying snow near the Atal tunnel at its north portal and Sissu. With the temperature in the valley remaining many notches below freezing point, the snow is melting very slowly. Tourists are not allowed to go to the higher areas and towards Marhi and Rohtang in Manali, so they are heading to Lahaul valley.
“As soon as we came out of the Atal tunnel, we were greeted by the white valley with snow everywhere. This transformation in landscape is amazing. We have come to Himachal only to see the snow,” Ashutosh Jain, a tourist from Madhya Pradesh, told Discover Kullu Manali. He added that he and his friends wanted to see the snowfall but the weather was not happy with them. “We are still happy to see the snow,” he said.
Another tourist from Delhi, Kavita, said she was first disappointed after she did not see snow at Manali and Solang valley. “Our travel agent had told us that we can see snow in Manali. Later he arranged a taxi to Atal tunnel and we are here. We enjoyed the whole day playing with snow. We took hundreds of photographs and make many videos. Now our clothes are all wet and we are shivering with cold,” he said.
Snow has melted on the sunny sides of Lahaul but it is still available on the shady sides of the mountains. There is a lot more snow at Rohtang and beyond Darcha but tourists are not allowed to visit these places due to safety reasons.
Even more tourists are expected to visit Lahaul valley on December 4 when World Ice Skating Day is being celebrated at Sissu. Many winter sports activities will be held here.
Himachal is expected to witness peak tourist season from December 20 to January 1 as lakhs of tourists will be heading to the hill stations for Christmas and New Year celebrations. A large number of hotels are already fully booked in advance. Hoteliers are trying to woo tourists by offering special packages, DJ parties, bonfires, gala dinners, folk dance and many more.
17 lakh tourists enter Lahaul valley via Atal tunnel in 15 months
Updated on January 28, 2022
Atal tunnel has proved to be a major attraction as more than 17 lakh tourists have entered the Lahaul valley via tunnel in 15 months despite Covid-19 pandemic.
Tribal development minister Ram Lal Markanda said tribal Lahaul valley and Atal tunnel have become popular among tourists. He said since it’s inauguration on October 3, 2020, the tunnel has witnessed movement of over 17 lakh tourists.
“The tunnel has become a boon for both Manali and Lahaul. Some tourists visit only the tunnel and others visit Lahaul valley also. But all tourists stay in Manali. The amazing tunnel at altitude of 10,000ft, culture of Lahaul and availability of snow are attracting tourists in large numbers,” he said while attending the closing ceremony of Himachal Ski and Snowboard Championship at Solang valley here.
He added that winter sports are also attracting more and more tourists to the state and national ski and snowboard competition will be organised in Lahaul valley this season. “We successfully organised national women ice hockey championship at Spiti. Ice skating, ice climbing, skiing, snowboarding and other winter sports are forcing tourists to visit the state. We have a large number of natural slopes in Lahaul valley where we shall organise national events this year. Soon we shall host international skiing and snowboarding events on the vast slopes of Lahaul,” Markanda said.
Atal tunnel has proved to be the top tourist destination of Himachal. The tunnel was inaugurated during pandemic. 17 lakh tourists managed to visit the tunnel and Lahaul while there were so many restrictions on tourism. Officials said the tunnel remained closed for tourists most days in two consecutive winter seasons due to heavy snowfall and avalanche warnings. Had the road to the tunnel remained open even in winter, the number of tourists visiting the tunnel could have crossed the 25 lakh mark.
Atal tunnel is closed for tourists for many days now after heavy snowfall last week. According to Lahaul-Spiti police, Manali-Lahaul road via Atal tunnel is open only for emergency vehicles. Tourists are not allowed as the road is slippery and there are chances of avalanches at many places. Once the tunnel is declared open, it will again be crowded by tourists.
7,484 vehicles use Atal tunnel in a day, sets new record
Updated on January 01, 2022
A record-high number of vehicles used Atal tunnel in a single day on Saturday with 7,484 vehicles entering and exiting the Atal tunnel to travel between Manali and Lahaul valley.
7,384 was the highest number of vehicles that had used the tunnel on July 5 earlier this year. Breaking the previous records, 7,484 vehicles used the tunnel on Saturday. A total of 3,790 vehicles came from Manali to Lahaul while 3,694 vehicles traversed the tunnel from Lahaul towards Manali between 8am and 8pm.
Lahaul-Spiti superintendent of police Manav Verma said this is the highest number of vehicles that entered and exited the tunnel in a single day since the tunnel was dedicated to the nation. “Majority of vehicles belong to tourists,” he said.
On average, 4,000 vehicles use the tunnel every day. July 2021 witnessed the highest ever number of vehicles using the tunnel when 1,22,090 vehicles entered and exited the tunnel from both ends. Over 90 per cent of vehicles reach the tunnel for tourism purposes while other vehicles belonging to local residents and traders.
Atal tunnel has become the major tourist attraction after PM Narendra Modi inaugurated it on October 3 last year. All the tourists visiting Manali want to see this engineering marvel. Lahaul-Spiti becoming popular snow point after travel to Rohtang became difficult following many restrictions also popularised the tunnel.
SADA barrier fee to enter Lahaul
Visiting Lahaul valley is going to cost more as all the vehicles registered outside Himachal will have to pay a certain fees to enter the valley as local administration has established a barrier at Sissu village.
A barrier under the Special Area Development Authority (SADA) has been established between Sissu village and Atal tunnel. While vehicles wearing Himachal registration number are exempted from payment of fee, all the vehicles, including trucks, buses and motorbikes are being charged SADA fee.
The bikes are being charged Rs 50 while cars are being charged Rs 200 to enter Lahaul. The SUVs and MUVs are paying Rs 300 and buses and trucks are paying Rs 500 as entry fee. Not only Lahaul, but vehicles going towards Leh, Pangi and Kishtwar via this route will also have to pay the fees.
Sub-divisional magistrate at Keylong Priya Nagta said the amount collected from SADA barrier fee will be spent on development of the Lahaul. “Local and all vehicles wearing Himachali registration number will not pay this fees. There is provision of a pass for vehicles that use this route frequently,” she said.
Tourists visiting Atal tunnel will not be paying this fee but they will be stopped at barrier beyond the north portal of the tunnel if they wish to go to Sissu, Keylong, Udaipur, Ladakh or other areas beyond. The tourist footfall at Sissu, 7km beyond Atal tunnel, is expected to decrease due to the barrier as many tourists will prefer taking a u-turn after visiting the tunnel. However, those who wish to go beyond Sissu will have no problem in payment of the fee.
Lahaul-Spiti administration had submitted a proposal before Himachal government to establish a barrier beyond Atal tunnel long back as tourist footfall in the valley has increased manifolds. According to officials, the money collected from the vehicles will be spent on environmental compensation activities and development of infrastructure.
Tourist crowd rises three times in Lahaul in two years
Updated on July 7, 2021
Lahaul valley of Himachal, which is known for its glaciers, rivers, tribal culture, sparse population and peaceful environment, has also been flooded with tourist crowd and the valley know echo with mind-boggling noise of vehicles.
The tourist footfall in the valley has increased three times in two years. While 20,494 vehicles, mostly tourist vehicles, had entered and exited the valley in June 2019, the number of vehicles has increased to 57,494 in 2021. This data clearly shows how the serene valley has become popular among tourists. June is the month when Himachal witnesses the most number of tourists. According to sources, the number of tourists entering Lahaul valley is expected to be even more in July 2021.
This is for the first time that residents have seen such a large number of vehicles in Lahaul. People used to see mostly known vehicles and local buses. Sometimes one vehicle was seen on road after minutes of hour. The roads now remain busy most of the time with long queue of vehicles. According to officials, Atal tunnel has provided easy access to the valley and tourists want to explore least seen places.
“The number of vehicles entering and exiting Lahaul in June month has reached from 20,494 in 2019 to 57,494 in 2021. The data for June 2020 is not considered due to lockdown. This figure clearly shows how traffic movement in Lahaul has increased after Atal tunnel,” Lahaul-Spiti superintendent of police Manav Verma said.
While increased tourist footfall has brought livelihood opportunities for the tribals, it has also brought many new challenges which were not faced before. Besides garbage collection and disposal, traffic management has become a major challenge, especially between Atal tunnel and Sissu. Parking limitations, traffic violations and keeping traffic moving are the new tasks for the district police.
The SP said the district police is focusing on traffic management, road safety and smooth movement of the traffic. “A large number of vehicles, especially tourist vehicles, are entering the district every day. Our main task is not letting traffic jam. So far we have succeeded in our task,” he added.
The highways in the valley are double-laned and properly maintained. Despite this the roads remain very busy. Now mischievous tourists, whom district police call hooligans, are another challenge to deal with.
Manav adds, “With rise in tourist inflow, tourism hooliganism is also on the rise. We are witnessing many such cases, especially drunken hooliganism in the night time. Drinking and dancing in public places is making local population feel uncomfortable. Local residents have been requested to report such incidents to the police along with number of the vehicles involved. Residents are also requested not to take law into their own hands. Tourists not wearing face mask is also matter of concern. We are trying to handle all situations professionally.”
HP govt to woo filmmakers to “new Switzerland”
Updated on March 16, 2021
The tempting snow-bound locations of Lahaul valley of Himachal will soon become the first choice of filmmakers who need not visit Switzerland or other European nations for shooting, cabinet minister Ram Lal Markanda said.
In an effort to woo the Bollywood filmmakers, the government is planning to develop infrastructure in Lahaul keeping in view the need of the shooting units. Tribal development minister Ram Lal Markanda with help of Lahaul-Spiti administration has prepared a detailed plan for the purpose. According to Markanda, chief minister is also keen to develop the valley as shooting hub of the country besides tourism.
“Bollywood and other film shooting units need not visit Switzerland or other European nations in search of snow-clad mountains and other beautiful geographical features as same thing is available in Lahaul valley. The only problem is with weak infrastructure including hotels, connectivity, local support and many other things which we are working on. The units can now reach the valley easily via Atal tunnel. Road connectivity is being improved. Helicopter services are available here. Luxury hotels in the valley will become reality soon,” he said.
Markanda added that he recently met with the chief minister and talked about some points on attracting shooting units. “CM is himself interested in making things easier for shooting units. We shall help filmmakers in obtaining all required permissions easily and conveniently. We have many locations which are more beautiful than Switzerland. The jaw dropping locations will make movies lively,” he added.
For the first time ever, at least half-dozen film units have completed shooting in the different locations of Lahaul valley this winter season. Many more units have planned to visit the valley in coming days. Local film coordinators are suggesting Bollywood and other film makers to shot some scenes in Lahaul which have never been seen in the films.
Government, especially local minister and administration, who are trying various tactics for tourism promotion in the valley, now look at Bollywood for tourism promotion. Bollywood movies in the past promoted tourism in Manali, Kashmir and Ladakh in a short time period. Markanda believes the movies shot in valley will not only promote tourism but also will bring employment for local residents.
Soon, green fee to enter Lahaul valley
Updated on February 24, 2021
Tourists entering Lahaul valley will have to pay a green tax soon in the future as Lahaul-Spiti administration is planning to impose environmental compensation on the visitors to balance the tourism and environment.
The administration has sent a proposal of charging a green fee to the state government. Once approved, the visitors will have to pay the fees as green cess. The amount collected from the visitors will be spent on greenery, cleanliness, and development work in the villages.
Thousands of vehicles carrying thousands of tourists are expected to enter Lahaul valley every day. Besides bringing prosperity to the valley, Lahaul at an average altitude of 10,000ft will witness littering and sound and air pollution. The clean air and waters of the valley will start polluting. To deal with the situation, the administration has started framing various policies. The green cess collected from the visitors can be used in the restoration of the damages to the environment.
The administration is working hard on solid waste management. Littering by roadsides, temples, picnic spots, riversides, and main attractions will be common in Lahaul as it is seen in other hill stations. The administration has planned to give jute bags to all the tourist vehicles entering the valley so that tourists could store their trash in the bag and deposit it at the designated area before leaving the valley.
Manali also charges green fees from all the non-Himachal registered vehicles before entering the town. The environment compensation charges are imposed on vehicles going towards Rohtang pass for tourism purposes. So far there is no toll or any arrangement of a collection of any kind of tax on Manali-Leh highway via Atal tunnel. If the Himachal government gives its nod, the tourists moving on this highway may have to pay the fees.
Meanwhile, Lahaul faces an acute shortage of drinking water in the winter season when all water sources and pipes get freeze in extremely cold weather. Stating that 24 hours water supply is mandatory for the boom in winter tourism, the administration is also working on providing all households and tourism units with running water.
Lahaul-Spiti deputy commissioner Pankaj Rai was quoted as saying, “The proposal to impose green cess has been sent to the state government. We are working on providing water to Keylong 24 hours a day on a pilot project. The facility will be provided in other areas in a phased manner.”
Solid waste management now part of school curriculum in Lahaul-Spiti
Updated on February 1, 2021
The tribal students of Lahaul-Spiti district of Himachal will now learn solid waste management in their schools as district administration has started the subject as part of curriculum in some schools on pilot basis.
The district, which has been witnessing a sudden surge in tourist footfall and related challenges including waste management, has discovered this unique idea to sensitise the residents. Initially, the solid waste management subject has been introduced in a few government primary schools and remaining schools will also be brought under its purview very soon. Lahaul-Spiti deputy commissioner Pankaj Rai on Monday inaugurated the inclusion of this subject in school curriculum from Government Primary School, Keylong-1.
“Education on solid waste management is need of hour. It has been started in a few schools on pilot basis. The students will learn waste management besides cleanliness in schools and will spread awareness at home, villages and society,” the DC said.
He added that Lahaul will face challenges regarding waste management in the future as increasing tourism activities, setting up more commercial establishments and increasing floating population will contribute to producing more waste. “This is a part of our endeavours in preparing district for management of solid waste and making residents more aware. Students are the best carriers of good messages and they execute things very efficiently. They care for beauty and cleanliness of their areas. To fulfill the purpose of implementing regular solid waste management policy and to spread awareness among people, this subject has been included in the school curriculum,” he added.
The subject will be taught to both small and senior students informally so that they take interest in it. Students will be shown various videos, will be taught on different topics and educational programmes will be organised for them. People of Lahaul have been using liquid waste in their fields as manure for a long time.
Lahaul-Spiti administration has signed a MoU with IIT Delhi for arrangements of solid waste collection, management and its disposal in entire Lahaul.
Now head to Lahaul valley for free skiing courses
Updated on January 21, 2021
For the first time ever, skiing courses are being organised for winter sports lovers from any part of the country free of cost at Trilokinath slopes of Lahaul valley which remains covered with thick blanket of snow throughout winter season.
The first basic course was inaugurated on Thursday with participation of 30 tribals from the valley. Many more youths have applied for the courses. Unfortunately, people from outside Lahaul could not apply for free basic course as Manali-Atal tunnel-Lahaul road is closed for outsiders. People with valid reason and with four-wheel-drive vehicles are being allowed to enter the valley. So, only local youths could participate in the course. Organisers believe people from other parts could participate in February if road to valley remains open.
Lama Hinshey, the priest of famous Trilokinath temple, skis down the Trilokinath slope after inauguration of first skiing course on Thursday
The course is being organised by Winter Sports Club Shakoli in association with Saat Dhara Club Hinsa. As Lahaul valley is connected with Manali via Atal tunnel and most of the internal roads of Lahaul are open, local clubs are planning similar course and tournaments on the regular basis.
Jai Ram Thakur, the coordinator of the skiing courses, said trained skiers Duni Thakur and Rohit Lopa are the instructors and the first course was inaugurated by Lama Hinshey, priest of Trilokinath temple and Dr Vishesh Thakur. “The courses are free of cost. We have 30 participants in the first eight-day basic course. 10 more persons have enrolled themselves for the course on Thursday and they will join from Friday. The courses will continue in the winter season. Unfortunately youths from far away places may not make it to reach here due to limited connectivity,” he said.
The local clubs have limited number of skiing kits which was forcing them to restrict the number of participants at a time. The vast slopes and open area had the capacity to accommodate hundreds of skiers at a time. The skiers from the valley were reaching slopes in morning time and were returning home in the evening. The organisers say if state or national clubs collaborate with them and they get government assistance, they can arrange for accommodation for skiiers at Trilokinath and can organise winter sports tournaments besides professional skiing courses.
Thakur said winter season in Lahaul is longer than other parts of the state and the valley can become winter sports hub of the country due to its vast and amazing natural slopes. “The quality of snow in Lahaul is perfect for skiing due to cold weather. The natural slope of Trilokinath is over 2km in length. All it needs is little infrastructure improvement. Skiers say these are the best available slopes of the country. Nobody paid attention to these slopes,” he added.
Meanwhile, state-level skiing and snowboarding championships will start at Solang slopes after snowfall. The organisers are waiting for snowfall as slopes have almost no snow. There is a prediction of heavy snowfall on January 23 and 24. Himachal Pradesh Winter Games Association is planning to organise event after this spell of snowfall.
Tourism plan from Lahaul valley
Updated on December 9, 2020
To prevent Lahaul valley from becoming another Rohtang pass, which faced environment degradation with unplanned tourism, the Lahaul-Spiti administration is preparing to protect its environment, natural beauty and precious heritage from 5,000 tourist vehicles expected to enter valley each day.
Lahaul is already witnessing the impact of the sudden surge in tourism activities after opening of the Atal tunnel as tourists equal to its population are entering the valley every week. According to officials, nearly 1,500 vehicles are entering Lahaul on the weekend. The valley will host record number of tourists in the summer season after April. The administration has calculated the approximate number of tourist vehicles entering Lahaul every day to be nearly 5,000 in the peak summer tourist season.
Having calculated the impact of tourism on the local heritage and ecologically fragile valley, the Lahaul-Spiti administration has planned to form a Lahaul Environment, Heritage Conservation and Beautification Society (LEHCBS). The top officials of the district under chairmanship of deputy commissioner Pankaj Rai held a meeting to finalise the outline of the society on Wednesday.
“We are developing a sustainable tourism plan for the district so that boom in tourism does not come at the cost of environment and the rich heritage of the valley. The outline of the society has been prepared in presence of officials and panchayat representatives. We also discussed on the development of the basic needs for cleanliness, beautification, environment protection and conservation of local culture and heritage,” the DC said.
Thousands of tourists are reaching Lahaul even in winter during lean season. Hundreds of vehicles are entering Lahaul from Atal tunnel every day. Lahaul valley for the first time has witnessed traffic jams and long queues at its popular temples. The situation is expected to worsen in the coming summer season. The administration has sought opinion from intellectuals, retired officials and public so that sustainable development of the tourism infrastructure could be done after forming LEHCBS.
Presently, agriculture is the main source of livelihood in Lahaul valley which is famous for its seed potato, peas and other vegetables. Tourism is expected to bring about a revolution in the valley which has a limited number of hotels, guesthouses and homestays. A large number of homestays and camping sites have come up in the valley in recent times. The government is encouraging local youth to build hotels under different government schemes. For now, tourists are returning back to Manali after visiting Lahaul in a day.
Tourists celebrate White Christmas in Lahaul valley
Updated on December 25, 2020
Although no snowfall on Christmas Day disappointed tourists in Himachal Pradesh, thousands of tourists still celebrated White Christmas on thick blanket of snow in Lahaul valley after traversing Atal tunnel on Friday.
All the tourist destinations of Himachal have witnessed a sudden surge in tourist inflow during Christmas and New Year week. While most hotels in Shimla are fully occupied with tourists from neighbouring states, the average hotel occupancy in Manali, Dharamshala and Dalhousie is above 60 per cent. In Manali, tourist crowd slowed down the traffic movement. Some places even saw minor traffic jams. Hundreds of tourist vehicles went to Atal tunnel and Lahaul valley as every tourist wanted to see snow on Christmas Day.
According to official sources, as many as 1,550 tourist vehicles entered the Lahaul valley via Atal tunnel on the Christmas Day.
A tourist from Ghaziabad Urvashi Dixit said, “I was upset that we could not see snowfall. I stopped complaining when we crossed the Atal tunnel and reached Lahaul valley completely covered with white blanket. We spent the whole day playing with snow. Now I’m happy that I saw snow on Christmas Day.”
Lahaul-Spiti administration has arranged parking for 2,000 vehicles at Sissu helipad, Gufa hotel and some other places. The 5km stretch from the tunnel and Sissu in Lahaul was fully occupied by tourists from all parts of the country. Tourists were playing with snow along the roadsides and on the right bank of the Chandra river. Tourists were hurling snow at each other and some were busy making the snowmen.
“This is disappointing that we could not see Rohtang pass. But this area near Atal tunnel is extremely beautiful and a perfect place to celebrate Christmas Day with family,” another tourist from Gujarat Bhagesh said. He adds, “Everything is covered with pure white snow. We shall feel luckier if we see snowfall in the news two-three days.”
Tourist destinations of Himachal shall remain full of hustle bustle till New Year. Tourists are anxiously waiting for snowfall. The tourist inflow is expected to decrease suddenly after January 2. Every year a large number of tourists visit Himachal with expectation of watching snowfall on Christmas and New Year. Fortunately, tourists can see snow near Manali. And lucky tourists can see fresh snowfall on December 27 and 28 as met office has predicted snowfall in the higher regions.
Lahaul also opens for tourists without restrictions
Updated on June 14, 2021
Lahaul valley, the fastest growing tourist destination of Himachal on the opposite side of Atal tunnel, which was shaken by Covid-19 cases, has opened for tourists without the need of undergoing rapid antigen test (RAT) at its entry points.
Believing that requirement of antigen test for Covid-19 before entering Lahaul was discouraging tourists from visiting the valley, Lahaul Hoteliers Association members on Monday met with the deputy commissioner to let tourists enter without any formality. Many tourists were returning back from Atal tunnel as they were being asked to undergo Covid-19 test at Sissu. Tourism season in Lahaul is very short due to extreme weather conditions. So hoteliers requested the administration to create a tourist-friendly environment.
Association president Bir Singh said, “Tourists are hesitating to visit Lahaul only because of the need of RAT before entering the valley. We requested DC to lift this requirement in the interest of residents who are largely dependent on tourism. DC understood our problem and removed the requirement of the antigen test. Now tourists can visit us freely similar to other parts of Himachal.”
DC told the hoteliers that health department will conduct regular checkup of the staff in the hotels and directed hoteliers to strictly follow the Covid-19 safety protocols.
Lahaul Hoteliers Association general secretary Tashi Barongpa said now tourists can visit Baralacha and Shinkula pass and return back to Lahaul without any restriction. “Tourists staying in Lahaul have multiple options to see snow. They can visit Baralacha, Shinkula or Rohtang for snow and can return back in few hours. All hotels, guesthouses, and homestays in the valley are now open. We are doing all possible to woo the tourists. Hopefully, we shall get good guests in next few months.”
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