Fresh snowfall in Himachal Pradesh’s higher reaches has disrupted road connectivity across Lahaul-Spiti and Chamba districts, forcing authorities to suspend traffic on several high-altitude routes because of slippery and unsafe conditions. The closures have affected access to major mountain passes, including Shinkula, Baralacha, Kunzum, Rohtang and Sach Pass.
Snowfall began in several high-altitude areas on Thursday night and continued on Friday, covering roads and making vehicle movement hazardous. Lahaul-Spiti police stopped vehicles travelling towards Shinkula Pass and Baralacha Pass from Darcha. Traffic towards Kunzum Top was halted at the Losar check post, while the road from Gramphu towards Chhatru and Kunzum Top was also closed.
Rohtang Pass received fresh snowfall on Friday, leading to the closure of both approach roads from Palchan and Koksar. Kullu police separately advised residents and tourists not to travel beyond Gulaba towards Rohtang Pass because of the snowfall and the possibility of further precipitation.
Lahaul-Spiti police said only four-wheel-drive vehicles fitted with snow chains may be allowed to travel in emergencies, depending on road and weather conditions. Tourists and residents were advised to avoid high-altitude travel until conditions improve. The traffic restrictions are intended to prevent vehicles from becoming stranded on routes where snow and slippery surfaces can quickly block access.
In Chamba district, snowfall at Sach Pass brought traffic on the Bairagarh-Sach Pass-Killar road to a complete halt. The closure severed road connectivity between the tribal Pangi valley and the Chamba district headquarters. Officials said the pass could be reopened in the next two to three days, depending on weather conditions and the state of the road.
Other high-altitude areas in Kullu, Kinnaur and Kangra districts also received light to moderate snowfall on Friday. Kukumseri in Lahaul-Spiti recorded the lowest minimum temperature in the report at minus 2.4 degrees Celsius.
The Meteorological Centre in Shimla has forecast light rain at isolated places in the mid hills and light snowfall in the high hills on Saturday. Until conditions improve, police and local authorities are continuing to advise against non-essential travel on the affected routes, while emergency vehicle access will depend on road conditions and further snowfall.
