Tourists Flock to Lahaul-Spiti in Himachal for a Winter Wonderland in May
On Tuesday morning, the high peaks of Lahaul-Spiti district were blanketed with fresh snowfall, while the lower areas continued to enjoy a spell of rain. The picturesque Kullu region also saw cloudy skies. This unexpected snowfall has brought a chill back to the valley, attracting thousands of tourists from Manali eager to experience this unique May weather.
The areas around Manali are bustling with tourists, boosting the local tourism industry. Visitors are traveling through the scenic Atal Tunnel from Solang Nala in Manali to explore the various parts of Lahaul Valley. Tourists are now permitted to visit Darcha as well, adding to the vibrancy of Lahaul Valley’s tourist spots and benefiting local businesses. While the rest of the country is sweltering in summer heat, tourists in Lahaul-Spiti are relishing the cold weather even in May.
Local tourism entrepreneurs, Prem Kumar and Ratan Lal, shared their excitement, saying, “Lahaul Valley is teeming with tourists this May, and the influx into hotels and homestays is on the rise. The tourism season will fully kick off after May 15, bringing significant benefits to the valley’s tourism industry.” Roshan Thakur, the outgoing vice president of the Manali Hotel Association, added, “Tourists from other states have started arriving in Manali, and hotel bookings are picking up for the coming days. We expect May to be a great month for tourism.”
Weather Alert: Rain and Winds Expected Until May 10
According to the weather department, a strengthening western disturbance from May 6 is expected to bring heavy rain until May 10. An orange alert for rain has been issued for Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, and Shimla on May 6 and 7, while a yellow alert is in place for other districts. During this period, strong winds of 40 to 50 kilometers per hour and lightning are also expected. The weather is likely to be unfavorable in Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, and Kinnaur on May 6 and 7, but it will clear up on May 8.
