India
oi-Swastika Sruti
Several locations at higher altitudes in Himachal Pradesh received fresh snowfall while some rain fell in other hilly regions in the state causing a significant drop in temperature on Thursday. Snowfall took place at several locations in the Lahaul and Spiti, Chamba and Kangra districts. Several roadblocks were imposed by authorities and vehicles had been stopped from heading towards high-altitude passes.
Snow fell at Shinku La, Baralacha La, Kunzum La, Koksar, Jispa, Keylong and Gondla in the Lahaul and Spiti. Fresh snow was observed at Sural and Sach Pass in the Chamba district while snow also fell at the Dhauladhar range in the Kangra district.
Weather changes have resulted in a slippery path that makes travelling unsafe.
High-Altitude Roads Closed After Fresh Snowfall
The authorities have declared a number of crucial mountain routes inaccessible due to the snowfall. The routes that have been blocked are Rohtang Pass to Sarchu, Darcha to Shinku La, and Gramphu to Batal.
Himachal’s finally getting its first snowfall of the season . It’s snowing in Lahaul Spiti and the upper areas of Himachal Pradesh. Winter is finally here guys 🏔️ https://t.co/cdoeS8lcFR
— Nikhil saini (@iNikhilsaini) October 15, 2026
The passage Sach Pass has also been closed for vehicles. As per reports, about three inches of snow fell in Sural in the Pangi Valley, whereas, one-foot snow was reported from Sach Pass.
All types of vehicles have been stopped from entering Shinku La, Baralacha La, and Kunzum La until the conditions become safe.
According to Lahaul-Spiti Police, travelers and people at large have been suggested to check the latest updates regarding weather and road conditions before embarking on high-altitude travel. The authorities have also advised the citizens to follow traffic advisories and orders of the police officers to avoid any kind of mishap.
Police Evacuate Around 100 Stranded Vehicles
The snowfall also left several vehicles stranded near Gondla in Lahaul and Spiti. Police teams intervened and safely evacuated around 100 vehicles from the affected area.
The incident highlights the risks of travelling through mountain roads during sudden weather changes. Officials have urged motorists to avoid unnecessary journeys and not attempt to cross closed roads or high-altitude passes.
Temperatures Drop In Manali And Dharamshala
The recent snowfall and rains have made Manali and Dharamshala quite cold for people living there. As the temperature dropped down, people started wearing their winter clothes and lighting fires to stay warm.
Its Snowing in Lahaul Spiti. Leh Manali, Shinkula Darcha NH Closed.@splahhp @DcLahaulSpiti @himachalpolice https://t.co/CGo4s3skNA
— Vinod Katwal (@Katwal_Vinod) October 15, 2026
The Dhauladhar ranges covered in snow have received attention from people living in those areas as well as tourists. According to Saurabh, a local resident from Palampur, the snow-covered mountains look extremely beautiful now.
The early snow has created hope among people involved in tourism and other businesses in this region. People think that the snow-covered places will attract more visitors in coming days provided there are no difficulties in traveling.
Chaman, another local resident of this region, stated that this snowfall would be useful for the glaciers of this area. According to Fateh Chand, who works in the tourism industry, this change in weather can prove to be good for tourism and agriculture in the region of Manali.
Residents hope that snowfall on the higher places may help the glaciers and contribute to agriculture and tourism in this region.
Khadrala Records 81 mm Rainfall
The local weather office reported significant rainfall in several parts of Himachal Pradesh since Wednesday evening.
Khadrala recorded the highest rainfall at 81 mm, followed by Dharamshala at 28 mm and Palampur at 19 mm. Other locations also received rain during the period.
The recorded rainfall was as follows:
- Khadrala: 81 mm
- Dharamshala: 28 mm
- Palampur: 19 mm
- Kukumseri: 15.9 mm
- Nichar: 13 mm
- Sarahan: 10.9 mm
- Bharmaur: 7 mm
With snowfall continuing to affect high-altitude areas and rain bringing colder conditions to the hills, travellers are advised to check official weather updates and road closures before planning a trip to Himachal Pradesh.
