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Heavy snowfall in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand has left tourists stranded in Manali, Shimla, Mussoorie and Nainital, causing traffic jams.
News18
Heavy snowfall in parts of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand has disrupted road traffic and stranded hundreds of tourists, as popular mountain destinations witnessed a sudden surge in visitors ahead of the extended weekend.
In Manali, fresh snowfall led to vehicles sliding on snow-covered roads, leading to traffic jams and almost halting movement in several areas. Videos circulating on social media showed cars, including luxury SUVs, stuck or sliding on icy roads, highlighting the dangers of driving on snow without experience or proper equipment.
That time when people regret entering snowfall areas. No matter whether you own an Audi, Merc or something else, if you don’t understand the basics of driving on snow, all this technology is useless.📍Manali pic.twitter.com/labsUrvVIn
– Nikhil Saini (@iNikhilsaini) January 23, 2026
Commenting on the situation, social media user Nikhil Saini pointed out that many travelers underestimate the challenges of driving in the snow. “No matter whether you own an Audi, Merc or something else, if you don’t understand the basics of driving on ice, all this technology is useless,” he wrote, sharing pictures from Manali where vehicles appeared to have lost traction in heavy snow.
The only question is where did he get the confidence that he could stop a sliding car in the snow on his own? The roads are very slippery and connectivity is affected across the state. Please don’t rush to just see the snow. 📍Manali pic.twitter.com/dXAiWldgoN
– Nikhil Saini (@iNikhilsaini) January 23, 2026
Read also: Heading on a trip this weekend? Visit these places to enjoy the refreshing snowfall
A similar situation emerged across Uttarakhand, where roads leading to popular tourist destinations witnessed long queues of vehicles. Commuters rushing to hill towns like Mussoorie and Nainital were stuck in traffic jams as snowfall reduced visibility and slowed vehicular movement.
In another post on
People in the National Capital Region (NCR) and other areas who plan to drive early in the morning to snowfall areas, please plan smartly. Book your stays in advance, check live traffic updates, and avoid rushing. Many popular locations across HP, UK and JK are already crowded with tourists, vehicles and key areas… pic.twitter.com/59WwxxNgL2– Nikhil Saini (@iNikhilsaini) January 23, 2026
Another social media user pointed to growing congestion in hill towns, writing that the “snowfall craziness” has led to road closures and traffic jams in places like Shimla and Manali, raising concerns about how the weekend peak may put further pressure on mountain infrastructure.
Officials have repeatedly urged tourists to avoid unnecessary travel during snowfall, warning that sudden weather changes could make roads slippery and dangerous. Authorities also advised travelers to review local guidelines, use snow chains when necessary, and avoid driving at night in snow-covered areas.
Read also: Delhi-NCR braces for cold wave again as rain falls on Mercury | Check IMD forecast
With weather forecasts indicating the possibility of continued snowfall in high-altitude areas, local administrations remain on alert.
In addition to snowfall in Himachal and Uttarakhand, Jammu and Kashmir also witnessed widespread snowfall across several high altitude destinations, turning places like Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonamarg into a winter wonderland with fresh blankets of white covering roads and meadows. Tourists were seen enjoying the snowy scenery at these popular ski resorts and hills, although authorities advised extra caution due to slippery surfaces and potential travel disruptions.
However, the snowfall has also caused major disruptions to travel and daily life in the region. Major roads including stretches of the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) were temporarily closed due to heavy snow accumulation, slowing down or halting vehicular movement in parts of Anantnag and Banihal sectors. Flights to and from Srinagar Airport have been cancelled, stranding passengers and highlighting the challenges of traveling during the winter peak.
Shimla, India, India
January 23, 2026, 8:14 PM IST
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