"Pure Himachal spirit": Local women serve hot tea to stranded tourists in Manali amid heavy snow blockage

Nothing beats the magic of fresh snow in the hills, but when it turns chaotic after the rush of a massive population from the nearby plains to catch a glimpse of the view, things quickly spiral.

Manali saw nearly 30 hours of nonstop snow, blanketing roads in up to two feet and stranding vehicles for kilometres on NH-3 between Kullu and Manali, turning a dream getaway into a freezing ordeal. Amid stalled cars and endless waits, local Himachal women stepped up with steaming tea, proving kindness wins hearts even in the harshest cold. Thousands of tourists, many from Delhi and nearby cities, got stuck overnight in their cars, unable to reach hotels.

According to The New Indian Express, over 600 were trapped on the 15-km Patlikuhl–Manali stretch alone. Traffic jams hit spots like Rangri and 17 Mile, with even 4x4s failing on ice.

Viral video of locals captures kindness

An overwhelming video from Gojra near Manali shows women with flasks weaving through stuck cars, serving hot tea to shivering tourists.
Filmed by a bundled-up visitor, it explains how night-long snowfall left everyone immobile. Their calm smiles and steady pours offered real relief amid the mess.
The clip went viral on social media as a prime example of local warmth. Social media exploded, with users calling it “pure Himachal spirit” and “humanity beyond tourist crowds.”

Tourist ordeal on the roads

Visitors faced tough times, with some waiting 24 hours in freezing cars, trekking through snow when possible.
One tourist told Gulf News, “We have been stuck in the car all night. There are children with us, and there is no toilet facility here.” Tragically, a heart patient died in a stuck ambulance near Rangri after four hours. Exit routes to Patlikuhl worsened, with skids and pile-ups.

Local heroes stepped up when tourists needed the most help

These women embodied Himachal’s hospitality, stepping out when help was needed most. Locals elsewhere rescued a dozen tourists in Raghupur Garh–Sojha as well.

Administrative teams distributed food and water, while PWD Minister Vikramaditya Singh said, “JCBs and poclain machines are continuously engaged in clearing roads… Higher reaches have received 2.5 to 3 feet of snow.” By Sunday, main highways were cleared somewhat, though 683 roads statewide remained blocked, according to The New Indian Express report.

Despite the upheaval, the tea gesture stole the show, reminding us that even simple acts can outshine chaos.