TNR Desk
DHARAMSHALA: Nearly five lakh tourists flocked to the serene and snow-covered valleys and other parts of Himachal Pradesh to celebrate Christmas, according to estimates by stakeholders in the tourism industry. The capital city Shimla emerged as the preferred destination, witnessing the arrival of a maximum number of tourists.
Over a span of three days, 45,000 vehicles, including 24,000 of tourists, entered Shimla through routes originating in Chandigarh and Solan. The arrivals were not limited to road travel as an estimated 2.5 lakh people arrived via trains and buses, making their way to the Queen of Hills and other parts of the state.
A notable highlight was the rush to experience snow in Lahaul and Spiti, resulting in a record-breaking 28,210 vehicles crossing the Atal Tunnel Rohtang from Sunday morning to Monday at 8 am. This surge marked the highest number of vehicles ever recorded, leading to occasional traffic jams within the tunnel on Sunday.
The Kullu district saw a significant rush, with over one lakh tourists arriving in more than 18,000 tourist vehicles and 300 Volvos over the three-day period. Additionally, Dharamshala and Chamba both welcomed around 2,500 vehicles for Christmas celebrations.
The popular Kalka-Shimla railway track experienced an unprecedented surge in demand, with all trains fully booked in advance until January 5. Himachal Road Transport Corporation buses, including Volvo and normal, besides private services, too have been running packed.
Despite the challenges posed by the heavy rush of vehicles, the festive atmosphere in Shimla was palpable, with crowds converging on the Ridge and popular tourist spots like Kufri and Naldehra. Hotels in Shimla, Manali, Dharamshala and Dalhousie remained at full capacity for two consecutive days, bringing relief and optimism to the local tourism industry.
This year’s influx of tourists, the largest since the rainy season disaster, has injected new life into Himachal Pradesh’s tourism sector. With hotels reporting 100 per cent occupancy and businesses anticipating revenue in crores, the Christmas season has proven to be a boon for the region. Beyond the traditional destinations, the newly inaugurated Atal Tunnel drew thousands to Sissu in Lahaul, where tourists celebrated a picturesque white Christmas at an altitude of 10,000 feet.
