Why is it a good idea to skip the mountains this New Year’s?
As the clock strikes midnight on December 31, many plan their ideal New Year’s Eve—whether by escaping to the serene mountains, enjoying a cozy evening at home, or celebrating in a chic café. But those eyeing destinations like Manali, Mussoorie, or Jammu may want to rethink their plans.
Recent events reveal the challenges of celebrating in snow-covered hill stations. Payal Porwal, a 25-year-old engineer from Delhi NCR, found herself stranded for 24 hours during a trip to Manali’s iconic Solang Valley. What began as a short visit turned into an overnight ordeal. “We were stuck in traffic for hours, and icy roads made the situation worse. We were fortunate to find a local family who helped us, but chaos erupted as drivers tried overtaking, causing further jams,” Payal shared.
Her experience is echoed by others, including a travel vlogger who recently documented over 1,500 vehicles trapped in Solang Valley due to a snowstorm. With icy roads, dense fog, and extreme cold gripping North-West and Central India, including Himachal Pradesh, accidents and traffic chaos are becoming commonplace.
The Indian Meteorological Department has issued severe weather warnings, urging caution for those traveling to hill stations. Last year’s festive season saw over 55,000 tourists stranded in Himachal Pradesh. This year, history seems poised to repeat itself.
As alluring as the mountains may seem, travelers should prioritize safety and reconsider their plans to avoid similar predicaments.
