Tourist activity in Himachal Pradesh has picked up sharply as visitors arrive in large numbers to celebrate a “white New Year.” With the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicting rain and snowfall across many parts of the state on December 31 and January 1, tourists are hoping to welcome the new year surrounded by snow-covered landscapes. This expectation has led to a surge in vehicles entering popular hill destinations and a noticeable rise in hotel bookings.
Kullu, Manali, and nearby regions are seeing the biggest rush, with thousands of vehicles arriving daily. The growing tourist inflow has pushed hotel occupancy levels much higher, especially compared to earlier this month. Tourism stakeholders are optimistic that snowfall, if it occurs as forecast, will further boost arrivals and extend the festive rush to other destinations such as Shimla and Dharamshala.
The Kullu-Manali belt has emerged as the main attraction for tourists seeking snowfall and winter activities. According to hotel owners and tourism officials, the number of visitors has increased significantly in recent days. Earlier this month, hotel occupancy in the region was around 60%. After light snowfall in higher reaches, bookings have risen sharply, with occupancy currently touching about 85%.
Roshan Thakur, president of the Manali hoteliers’ association, said tourist footfall is expected to increase further on New Year’s Eve. He explained that snowfall plays a crucial role in attracting visitors during the winter season. Tourists are especially keen to experience snow-based activities such as skiing, snowball fights, and sightseeing in white landscapes. “If snowfall occurs as predicted by the IMD, the number of tourists will increase further. At present, hotel occupancy is around 85%, and we expect it to rise to 90–95% on December 31,” he said.
Several tourist hotspots near Manali have become centres of activity. Solang Valley, the Atal Tunnel, and Shinkula Pass have seen heavy tourist movement following recent snowfall in nearby high-altitude areas. These locations are popular among visitors for snow views, photography, and adventure sports. Continuous enquiries about weather conditions and snowfall are being received by hotels, travel agents, and tourism offices.
Anup Thakur, chief of the Kullu-Manali Paryatan Vikas Mandal, said all arrangements have been made to welcome tourists. He added that hoteliers are fully prepared for the New Year rush and are hopeful that fresh snowfall will make celebrations even more attractive. According to him, tourists are regularly calling and messaging to ask about snowfall updates and road conditions.
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While Kullu-Manali continues to dominate tourist interest, other major destinations in Himachal Pradesh are also preparing for an increase in visitors. Tourism stakeholders in Shimla and Dharamshala are hopeful that snowfall and New Year celebrations will improve hotel occupancy in their regions as well.
In Shimla, hotel owners say tourist numbers are rising gradually, though not at the same pace as in Manali. Mohinder Kumar Seth, president of the Shimla hotels and tourism stakeholders’ association, said they expect hotel occupancy to reach around 50–60% in the coming days. He noted that snowfall would play a key role in attracting more tourists to the state capital. The Ridge and Mall Road areas have already started seeing more visitors, with people strolling, shopping, and enjoying the winter atmosphere.
Dharamshala has also witnessed a moderate increase in tourist activity. Ashwani Bamba, president of the Dharamshala hotel association, said occupancy levels are expected to reach around 50–60%. However, he pointed out that the timing of New Year’s Eve may limit the surge. Since December 31 falls in the middle of the week this year, some tourists may have chosen shorter trips or skipped travel plans. According to him, a weekend New Year’s Eve would have attracted a larger crowd.
Despite this, stakeholders across Himachal Pradesh remain optimistic. The IMD’s forecast of rain and snowfall has raised expectations among tourists and businesses alike. Many visitors have chosen Himachal specifically for the chance to witness snowfall, a key attraction during the winter season. Snowfall not only boosts hotel bookings but also benefits local businesses such as taxi operators, restaurants, adventure sports providers, and souvenir shops.
Authorities are closely monitoring traffic and crowd movement, especially in the Kullu-Manali region, where thousands of vehicles are entering daily. While the surge has brought economic benefits, it has also increased pressure on roads and infrastructure. Officials have advised tourists to follow traffic rules, check weather updates, and travel cautiously in snow-prone areas.
As the New Year approaches, Himachal Pradesh stands ready to welcome visitors hoping for a memorable white New Year. Whether snowfall arrives as predicted or not, the festive spirit, scenic views, and winter charm of the hill state continue to draw tourists eager to start the new year in the mountains.
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