Munish Sood
MANDI: Severe air pollution in Delhi-NCR and unusually warm December weather have triggered a fresh tourism surge towards the hill states of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Even in the absence of snowfall, mountain destinations are witnessing a strong tourist inflow, driven largely by people seeking clean air, open spaces and a break from hazardous urban conditions.
With Delhi’s air quality remaining in the ‘severe’ to ‘very poor’ category for weeks, residents are increasingly escaping to hill towns such as Shimla, Manali, Dharamshala, Dalhousie, Kasauli and popular destinations in Uttarakhand. Hoteliers across Himachal confirm that winter tourism has picked up momentum despite the lack of snow.
Manali Hotels Association’s newly appointed president Roshan Thakur said the season has turned out to be far better than expected.
“Although there has been no snowfall in the valley so far, Manali is witnessing a healthy tourist rush. Pleasant daytime temperatures, easy road connectivity and rising pollution levels in the plains have pushed tourists towards the hills. At present, hotel occupancy in Manali and nearby areas is running at over 70 per cent, which is very encouraging for this time of the year,” he said.
Dharamshala, known for its tranquil surroundings and clean environment, has also emerged as a preferred destination for visitors escaping polluted cities. Hotelier Ashwini Bamba said tourists are prioritising health and comfort over snowfall this winter.
“People from Delhi-NCR and other cities are coming here mainly for fresh air and mental peace. The weather is comfortable and there are no travel disruptions, which has made Dharamshala an attractive winter destination. The hospitality sector is hopeful that occupancy will improve further in the coming days,” he said.
In the state capital Shimla, the absence of snowfall has ensured smooth traffic movement and uninterrupted tourism activities. Mohinder Seth, president of the Shimla Hoteliers Association, said the trend reflects a changing tourism pattern.
“This December has been unusually warm, which has made travel easier for tourists. With pollution worsening in the plains, a large number of visitors are choosing Shimla despite the lack of snow. Hotels are seeing satisfactory bookings, clearly indicating that tourism is no longer dependent only on snowfall,” he said.
Tourism experts believe that the current trend highlights the emergence of ‘clean air tourism’, where visitors prioritise breathable air, scenic surroundings and stress-free travel over traditional snow-centric holidays. Morning walks, café hopping, viewpoints, short treks and relaxed stays have become key attractions for tourists this winter.
Overall, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand have once again proven to be natural refuges for people fleeing polluted urban centres. The steady tourist footfall, even in a snowless December, underlines a shift in travel preferences and reinforces the hills’ growing importance as health and wellness destinations during winter.
