MANDI: As temperatures rise to scorching levels in northern India, Himachal Pradesh has once again become the go-to refuge for tourists seeking relief from the oppressive heat.
Popular destinations like Manali, Shimla, Dharamshala and Lahaul are witnessing an unprecedented influx of tourists, with daily footfall breaking previous records. The retreat into the hills has been further boosted by the easing of earlier travel hesitations caused by geopolitical tensions and fears of war earlier this month.
Another reason for the rush in Himachal is that tourists have been skipping Kashmir, which witnessed the horrific massacre of 25 tourists and a local pony owner in Pahalgam on April 22, 2025.
Manali: Summer magnet continues to shine
Manali, already renowned as a summer paradise, is at the epicentre of the tourist explosion. With snow still visible at Rohtang Pass, tourists are flocking in large numbers to enjoy the rare spectacle in late May.
Around 1,200 tourist vehicles are making their way daily toward Rohtang, while others explore the scenic beauty of the Atal Tunnel, Sissu and Lahaul Valley. In the last few days alone, Manali has recorded entries of over 2,000 vehicles per day — 2,300 on Saturday, 2,000 on Sunday and 1,600 on Monday.
Even nearby villages like Vashisht are facing traffic snarls due to the heavy inflow of vehicles, leading to disruptions in local life. Despite the congestion, the joy among tourists is palpable.
“It’s unbearable in the plains — stepping out is almost impossible in this heat. But here, mornings and evenings are delightfully cool. And seeing snow in Rohtang in May feels like a dream,” said a tourist from Delhi.
Shimla: Cultural charms and cool climate draw visitors
Shimla, the Queen of Hills, has also seen a massive surge in footfall. Hotel occupancy recently touched 80%, up from the typical 60%, especially during the long weekends and Hanuman Jayanti festivities.
Thousands of devotees thronged the Jakhu temple and Sankat Mochan temple, creating a festive yet spiritual atmosphere in the hill station. With the upcoming Shimla Summer Festival expected to kick off in June, hoteliers and local vendors are gearing up for another tourist boom.
Dharamshala: Cricket and culture fuel growth
In Dharamshala, tourism has received a double boost — spiritual tourism and sports tourism. The town, already famous for Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama’s presence and serene monasteries, is buzzing with excitement following the hosting of three high-profile IPL matches at the HPCA stadium.
The scenic stadium, set against the backdrop of snow-clad Dhauladhar ranges, became a magnet for cricket fans from across the country, spurring local economic activity.
Solan, Kasauli & Naggar: Rising stars on tourist map
Interestingly, Solan district has emerged as the top destination in Himachal in terms of tourist numbers this season. Areas like Kasauli, Chail and Barog are drawing families, couples, and solo travellers alike. Homestays and boutique hotels in these regions have reported full bookings for the next few weeks.
In Naggar, tourists are flocking to the historic Naggar Castle, soaking in panoramic valley views and experiencing the local cultural heritage. The ancient “Jagati Patt” here, the venue for the traditional “Dev Parliament” of local deities, has become a unique spiritual attraction.
Fear of war subsides, confidence in travel rebounds
A month back, concerns over potential military conflict in northern regions had led to a temporary dip in travel plans. Many tourists postponed or cancelled trips fearing instability. However, with the situation stabilising and peace prevailing along international borders, travel confidence has returned with full force.
Tourism stakeholders report that bookings surged once it became clear that the situation was under control. “There was a time in March when we had zero advance bookings. But now, not only are we sold out for the weekends, we are seeing a waiting list for weekdays too,” said a hotelier in Manali.
Munish Sood
