More than 1,000 vehicles stuck on Atal Tunnel road in Manali amid heavy snowfall

A fresh spell of heavy snowfall in Himachal Pradesh's Manali on Dec 23 left several vehicles stuck and tourists stranded in their vehicles for hours between Solang and Atal Tunnel, Rohtang.

Around 1,000 vehicles were stuck in a long traffic jam, prompting police to launch a rescue operation and shift at least 700 tourists to safer places, according to officials.

Visuals from the area showed police personnel assisting travelers and drivers in navigating their vehicles as snowfall continued.

Local authorities also coordinated the rescue operations.

The influx of tourists arriving to celebrate Christmas and New Year in the snow-covered mountains seems to have added to the situation.

Earlier, Shimla was blanketed in a pristine sheet of snow, bringing renewed hope and joy to the city.

The mesmerizing snowfall, which began after a two-weeks since the first snowfall on Dec 8, has not only overjoyed the visitors but also rejuvenated the spirits of the local tourism industry, which has been struggling to recover from the losses inflicted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Captivated by the beauty of the snow-clad hills, tourists are extending their stay, making this a season of cheer and celebration for all. This unexpected snowfall has infused excitement among those dreaming of a "White Christmas."

Many other tourists, initially planning to leave, have now decided to spend more time, soaking in the wintry charm of Shimla.

Meanwhile, local businesses, particularly in the tourism and hospitality sectors, are optimistic about an extended tourist season, hoping to make the most of this enchanting winter spell.

Tourists from across the country are overjoyed with snowfall, calling it a "once-in-a-lifetime experience." Hemant, a visitor from Rewari, Haryana, said he was excited to witness the snowfall.

"The snowfall is such a beautiful sight. The weather is amazing. We didn't expect this at all, but when we woke up this morning, there was snow. We were planning to leave, but now we've decided to stay longer. This is the first snowfall I've ever seen, and it's a lifetime experience for me." he was quoted as saying.

Pramod Yogi, a tourist from Faridabad, Haryana, said the feeling was indescribable.

"The joy this snowfall has brought is beyond words. Experiencing the stunning beauty of nature for the first time in my life has been amazing. I urge everyone to visit this place and enjoy it. Watching the snowfall has been a thrilling experience, and I would recommend everyone to come here to witness and enjoy it," he was quoted as saying.