Escaping the Smog: Tourists Flock to Himachal for Clean Air and Calm Winters
With Delhi-NCR choking under severe air pollution and December turning unusually warm, thousands of city dwellers are heading to the hills of Himachal Pradesh in search of fresh air, open spaces, and peace of mind.
Even without snowfall, destinations like Shimla, Manali, Dharamshala, Dalhousie, and Kasauli are buzzing with visitors. Hoteliers say winter tourism has picked up momentum, driven less by snow and more by the promise of health, comfort, and clean surroundings.
- In Manali, hotel occupancy has crossed 70%, with tourists enjoying pleasant daytime temperatures and smooth road connectivity.
- Dharamshala has emerged as a wellness retreat, attracting visitors prioritising fresh air and mental peace over snow.
- In Shimla, the absence of snow has meant hassle-free traffic and uninterrupted tourism activities, with bookings holding steady.
Tourism experts call this trend the rise of “clean air tourism”—where travelers value breathable air, scenic walks, café hopping, and stress-free stays over traditional snow-centric holidays.
For many, the hills have become a natural refuge from polluted urban centres, reinforcing Himachal and Uttarakhand’s growing role as winter destinations for health, wellness, and relaxation.
