Traffic restrictions after overnight snowfall
Vehicular movement on several of Himachal Pradesh’s major high-altitude routes was suspended on Friday following continuous snowfall in Lahaul-Spiti, with police stopping traffic towards Shinkula Pass, Baralacha Pass and Kunzum Top over concerns about road safety.
The restrictions were imposed after snow began falling in the higher reaches from Thursday night. Vehicles travelling towards Shinkula Top and Baralacha Top were stopped at the Darcha Police Post, while traffic heading towards Kunzum Top was halted at the Losar Check Post, according to the district police advisory.
The road section from Gramphoo towards Chhatru and Kunzum Top was also closed to vehicular movement. The decision affects routes used by local traffic as well as visitors travelling through the high-altitude terrain, where fresh snow can quickly reduce road grip and visibility.
Police issue travel warning
Police appealed to tourists and members of the public not to travel towards the higher reaches until weather and road conditions improve. The advisory asked people to follow directions issued by the district administration and police rather than attempting to cross closed stretches on their own.
“Your safety is our top priority,” the Lahaul and Spiti Police said.
In an emergency, movement may be considered only for vehicles capable of handling snow and fitted with suitable chains. Such travel will depend on the prevailing road and weather conditions, and does not amount to a general opening of the closed routes.
- Travel to high-altitude areas should be avoided until conditions improve.
- Essential journeys require permission from the authorities.
- Travellers permitted to proceed must use a four-wheel-drive vehicle with snow chains.
- Adequate warm clothing must be carried in view of the falling temperatures.
Rohtang route also closed
Snowfall was also reported at Rohtang Pass and Marhi early on Friday. Around 4-5 inches of snow was recorded at Rohtang Pass, while Marhi received approximately one inch, according to the information available from the police.
In view of the conditions, movement from Marhi towards Rohtang Pass was completely suspended, with only emergency vehicles being allowed. Instructions were issued at the Gulaba Barrier, an important control point on the Manali side of the route.
Vehicles that had already reached Marhi were being sent back safely towards Manali. The arrangement reflects the immediate priority of preventing visitors from being stranded as snowfall builds up on the pass and adjoining road sections.
Routes under restriction
| Route or location | Action reported |
|---|---|
| Shinkula Top and Baralacha Top | Vehicles stopped at Darcha Police Post |
| Kunzum Top | Traffic stopped at Losar Check Post |
| Gramphoo-Chhatru-Kunzum stretch | Vehicular movement closed |
| Marhi-Rohtang Pass | Movement suspended; emergency vehicles allowed |
For rural communities and tourism-dependent businesses in the mountain belt, such interruptions are closely linked to changing weather and road conditions. However, the advisory makes clear that tourist access cannot take precedence over safety when snow accumulates on exposed passes and connecting roads.
People planning journeys should therefore check the latest instructions from the district administration and police before leaving, particularly if their route includes a pass or a road approaching the higher reaches. Those with essential reasons to travel have been asked to obtain permission and prepare for cold conditions rather than relying on normal travel arrangements.
The restrictions will remain relevant until the authorities assess the road and weather situation. Police have urged travellers to cooperate with the ground teams and avoid taking risks on closed routes, where conditions can change rapidly after fresh snowfall.
