Fresh snowfall has blocked or restricted several high mountain roads in Himachal Pradesh.
The snow has fallen in the higher reaches of Lahaul and Spiti district and in parts of Manali.
Snowfall has continued since late Thursday, November 12.
The areas affected include Shinku La Pass, Baralacha Pass and Kunzum Top.
Snow has also started falling in the higher areas of Manali.
Police say road conditions in these high-altitude areas have become unsafe for vehicles.
Traffic towards Shinku La and Baralacha passes was suspended under a police advisory on Friday.
- Thu, November 12Snowfall began in the higher reaches and has continued since late Thursday.
- FridayTraffic towards Shinku La and Baralacha passes was suspended under a police advisory.
- Until November 15The weather forecast predicts wet weather in the state until this date.
Graphic: News Anek, from the facts in this report
Key points
- Fresh snow has fallen on high passes in Lahaul and Spiti and Manali.
- Traffic towards Shinku La and Baralacha passes has been suspended.
- Only emergency vehicles are allowed towards Rohtang Pass from Marhi.
- Police advise tourists to avoid high-altitude areas until roads improve.
Which roads are closed right now?
Manali Police have stopped vehicle movement from Marhi towards Rohtang Pass.
Only emergency vehicles are allowed on that stretch.
Vehicles that have already reached Marhi are being sent back safely towards Manali.
Traffic towards Kunzum Top has also been suspended. The route towards Chhatru has been closed.
The snowfall has also closed roads connecting Rohtang to Koksar, Darcha to Sarchu, Gramphu to Batal, Losar to Batal, and Rohli to Kadhu Nullah.
These are mountain routes in Lahaul and Spiti district.
What can drivers do in an emergency?
In emergencies, only four-wheel-drive vehicles with proper snow chains may be allowed.
This depends on a check of the road and weather conditions. Snow chains are metal chains that grip the tyres on snow and ice.
Vehicle movement is also being restricted beyond Gulaba in Manali.
The district administration and police have asked residents and tourists to follow official advisories.
So why does this matter for travellers?
Many tourists from the plains, especially Delhi and the National Capital Region, have been visiting Himachal to escape post-Diwali air pollution.
The snow may attract even more visitors.
Tourism workers are hopeful about more visitors.
But police say people should stay off high-altitude roads until the weather and road conditions get better.
The weather forecast predicts wet weather in the state until November 15.
Explainer
What happened before
- The Shimla meteorological office issued a yellow alert on Thursday for thunderstorms and lightning at some places in the state.
- Traffic towards Shinku La and Baralacha passes was suspended under a police advisory on Friday.
Why it matters
Tourists from the plains are already heading to Himachal to escape post-Diwali air pollution, so the snow may bring even more visitors into risky areas.
What to watch next
- Only emergency vehicles are allowed towards Rohtang Pass from Marhi, and vehicles already there are being sent back to Manali.
- The weather forecast predicts wet weather in the state until November 15.
