Fresh snowfall greets tourists in Manali

MC Thakur

Manali, January 24

The upper Manali areas experienced a fresh spell of snow today, intensifying cold wave conditions in the region, while the lower parts were lashed by rain, pushing the mercury down by several notches.

Meanwhile, hundreds of tourists rushed to Nehru Kund to have a glimpse of the fresh snow. They were seen enjoying the snow and throwing snowballs at each other. As a precautionary measure, the movement of vehicular traffic was stopped near the Nehru Kund on the Manali- Rohtang road.

The famous ski slopes of Solang valley also experienced a snow. Winter sports lovers, who have come to the valley to undertake ski courses and take part in the state and national skiing and snowboarding championships were delighted to see the slopes covered with thick layer of snow.

The 13,050-ft-high Rohtang Pass also experienced heavy snowfall. The entire higher reaches in the upper Kullu valley, including Marhi, Gulaba, Kothi, Beaskund, Dhundi, Pir Panjal Ranges, Bhrighu ski slopes, Hamta ski slopes and Chanderkhani Pass also received snow.

The 12,000-ft-high Hamta ski slopes and the 14,000-ft-high Bhrighu ski slopes, which are famous for helicopter skiing, also experienced moderate to heavy snow.

Due to fresh snow in the higher reaches, the day temperature in the upper Manali areas dipped sharply as cold winds continued to lash the region throughout the day. Local residents of the upper Manali areas remained indoors.