Traffic movement come to a halt on Manali-Leh highway; winter to intensify in higher reaches by Dec 31

Traffic movement on the Manali-Leh highway beyond Manali in Kullu district has been affected due to recent fresh snowfall in the region. According to the latest reports, Manali received 10 cm of snow which came as a welcoming change for the tourists and hoteliers.

Manali SDM Raman Gharsanghi told a leading website that due to the heavy snowfall in Solang valley and the north portal of Atal Tunnel towards Lahaul, the Kullu district administration barred vehicular movement on the route considering public safety.
On the other hand, the tribal areas of Lahaul and Spiti have also received fresh snowfall much to the delight of farmers. In Mandi, higher regions such as Kamrunag, Prashar Lake and Shikari Devi have received snowfall.
Meanwhile, Manali, Solang valley and areas near Atal Tunnel have been seeing long traffic jams due to increased tourist arrivals in Kullu over the last few days.
News also has it that Shimla and nearby areas received fresh snowfall, and high pressure icy winds which enthralled tourists, residents and hoteliers. As per the local MeT office, the higher and middle reaches of Himachal will receive rainfall and snow on December 28 and 29. However, the lower reaches may receive thick ground frost and cold waves from December 29 to 31, which can likely damage the crops.

Keylong in Lahaul and Spiti district shivered at minus 11.6 degree Celsius, while Kalpa and Mandi remained frozen at minus 3.4 Celsius and minus 2 Celsius followed by Bhuntar at minus 1.6 Celsius.