Winter Comes Knocking Early: Himachal’s High Passes Shut as Snow Blankets Lahaul-Spiti

Winter has arrived early in Himachal Pradesh, catching locals and authorities off guard. Rohtang Pass, the towering 13,050-ft gateway to Lahaul-Spiti, is already cloaked in snow—a full week ahead of schedule. Sunday night brought a heavy white curtain over the higher reaches of Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur, plunging temperatures and freezing life across the tribal belt and mid-hill regions

Mountain roads that connect remote valleys—like Darcha–Shinkula and Koksar–Kunzum Top—have been shut due to fresh snowfall and dangerously slippery conditions. Even routes that remain technically open, such as the Keylong–Atal Tunnel stretch, are battling intermittent snow and rain, making travel a gamble.

For apple growers, the timing couldn’t be worse. Just before harvest, snow-laden branches have snapped under pressure, threatening livelihoods and sparking fears of major crop losses. The Shakshi cyclone’s lingering rains have only worsened matters, delaying Rabi sowing and disrupting Kharif harvests. Villagers, who usually spend this time gathering fodder, are now stuck indoors.

In response, the state government is racing to stock up essentials—fuel, food, and supplies—for snow-bound areas. At a winter preparedness meeting in Shimla, Chief Secretary Sanjay Gupta urged departments to stay on high alert. The National Highways Authority of India has been tasked with keeping at least two lanes of the Kiratpur–Manali Highway open, while the Public Works Department is working to restore over 120 monsoon-damaged roads by month’s end.

Dense fog and relentless rain continue to hamper relief efforts in lower regions. In Keylong, emergency teams are strategizing for snow clearance and rescue operations, bracing for what could be a long and unforgiving winter.

As the mercury dips and visibility fades, Himachal’s residents, farmers, and students are preparing for a season that’s arrived early—and with force.