Himachal Pradesh Snow Crisis: Stranded Tourists, Frozen Pipes, and Roads Buried Under Ice

Table of Contents

• A Winter Wonderland Turns Into a Trap
• What Is the Himachal Pradesh Snow Crisis?
• Tourists Stranded in Manali and Beyond
• Infrastructure Paralyzed: Power, Water, and Roads Down
• Lahaul and Spiti: Completely Cut Off
• Authorities on War Footing to Restore Access
• Travel Advisory: What You Should Know Before You Go
• Conclusion: Navigating the Beauty and Brutality of Himalayan Winters
• Sources

A Winter Wonderland Turns Into a Trap

For many, Himachal Pradesh in winter is a dream destination—snow-draped pines, cozy log cabins, and the quiet magic of the Himalayas. But this January, that dream has turned into a chilling reality for hundreds of travelers. Unrelenting snowfall has triggered a Himachal Pradesh snow crisis so severe that roads are buried, power lines are down, and entire valleys have been isolated from the outside world.

What began as a picturesque snowstorm has rapidly escalated into a humanitarian and logistical emergency. With temperatures plummeting below freezing and essential services collapsing, the state is now racing against time to rescue stranded tourists and restore basic infrastructure.

What Is the Himachal Pradesh Snow Crisis?

The current Himachal Pradesh snow crisis stems from an intense western disturbance that dumped heavy snow across multiple districts—including Kullu, Mandi, Shimla, and Kinnaur—starting January 23, 2026. The snowfall, among the heaviest in years, has brought daily life to a standstill.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), several areas received over 60 cm of snow in just 48 hours . This has not only blocked critical mountain passes but also damaged power grids and water pipelines, leaving thousands without electricity or running water in sub-zero conditions.

Tourists Stranded in Manali and Beyond

Manali, one of Himachal’s most popular tourist hubs, has become a focal point of the crisis. Hundreds of domestic and international tourists are currently stranded, unable to leave due to blocked highways like the Manali-Leh route and the Atal Tunnel approach roads .

Many hotels report guests running low on supplies, with some relying on backup generators for minimal heating. Social media is flooded with pleas for help—from families with young children to solo backpackers caught off guard by the sudden weather shift.

Local authorities have opened emergency shelters and are distributing food and blankets, but access remains a major challenge. “We’re doing everything we can, but the snow is relentless,” said a district official in Kullu .

Infrastructure Paralyzed: Power, Water, and Roads Down

The impact on infrastructure has been devastating:

• Roads: Over 120 roads, including national highways NH-3 and NH-5, are closed. The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) and Public Works Department (PWD) are working round-the-clock with snow-cutters and JCBs to clear paths .
• Power: More than 1,200 electricity feeders are down, affecting over 500 villages. Power restoration is slow due to snapped poles and inaccessible terrain .
• Water Supply: Frozen pipelines have disrupted water supply in urban centers like Shimla and Manali. Residents are melting snow for basic needs—a risky practice in freezing temperatures .

Lahaul and Spiti: Completely Cut Off

Perhaps the most alarming situation is in Lahaul and Spiti, a high-altitude desert region already known for its harsh winters. The district has been entirely cut off since January 24, with no road or air connectivity due to blizzard conditions at the Rohtang Pass and Kunzum La .

Local officials confirm that emergency medical evacuations are impossible, and stockpiled supplies are being rationed. The Indian Air Force is on standby for possible aerial drops if the situation worsens.

Authorities on War Footing to Restore Access

The Himachal Pradesh government has activated its State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) and deployed disaster response teams across affected zones. The BRO has mobilized over 200 snow-clearing machines, while the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is assisting with evacuations .

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has assured residents that “no effort will be spared” to restore connectivity and services. Meanwhile, the state tourism department has issued a formal advisory urging all non-essential travel to be postponed until further notice .

Travel Advisory: What You Should Know Before You Go

If you’re planning a trip to Himachal Pradesh this winter, heed these critical tips:

1. Check official alerts: Monitor updates from the Himachal Pradesh government portal and IMD before departure.
2. Avoid remote areas: Districts like Lahaul-Spiti, Kinnaur, and upper Kullu should be avoided until roads fully reopen.
3. Pack emergency supplies: Carry extra food, warm clothing, power banks, and a first-aid kit—even for short stays.
4. Register your itinerary: Share your travel plan with local police or hotel management for safety tracking.

Conclusion: Navigating the Beauty and Brutality of Himalayan Winters

The Himachal Pradesh snow crisis is a stark reminder that nature’s beauty in the Himalayas comes with real risks. While the snow transforms the landscape into a postcard-perfect scene, it can also isolate communities and endanger lives within hours. For tourists, responsible travel means respecting weather warnings and preparing for the unexpected. As rescue operations continue, the priority remains clear: human safety over scenic views.

Sources

• [1] India Meteorological Department (IMD). (2026, January 24). Western Disturbance Brings Heavy Snowfall to Himachal Pradesh. Retrieved from https://mausam.imd.gov.in/
• [2] Times of India. (2026, January 24). Snow brings pain in HP: Roads closed, no power & water supply; tourists stranded. Retrieved from [INTERNAL_LINK:himachal_news]
• [3] District Administration Kullu. (2026, January 24). Press Briefing on Snow Emergency. Retrieved from [INTERNAL_LINK:kullu_updates]
• [4] Border Roads Organisation (BRO). (2026). Snow Clearance Operations in Himachal. Retrieved from https://bro.gov.in/
• [5] Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board. (2026, January 24). Power Restoration Status Report.
• [6] Public Health Engineering Department, HP. (2026). Water Supply Disruption Advisory.
• [7] Lahaul & Spiti District Collector Office. (2026, January 24). District Isolation Notice.
• [8] National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). (2026). Deployment in Himachal Pradesh. Retrieved from https://ndrf.gov.in/
• [9] Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation. (2026, January 24). Winter Travel Advisory. Retrieved from https://hptdc.nic.in/