Keylong (Himachal Pradesh): The Lahaul Valley in Himachal Pradesh saw an influx of tourists over the weekend as the region witnessed its first snowfall of the season.
The high altitudes in Himachal Pradesh on October 31 were covered by a thick white sheet of snow. This was the season's first snowfall that froze Keylong and its nearby destinations in Lahaul-Spiti district.
With the weekend, thousands of tourists reached the newly-inaugurated Atal tunnel and Sissu lake to enjoy the season's first snow.
As the winters had set in, the occupancy in Lahaul's hotels and homestays was on the decline. Besides, very few of them were functioning as many had shut shop due to COVID, Lahaul Hoteliers Association president Bir Singh said.
However, with the snowfall, the area once again saw an influx of tourists.
Read: Himachal's Keylong gets first snow of season
A group of tourists from Punjab, who had come to visit the Atal tunnel, said they were thrilled to experience the season's first snowfall during their trip.
Meanwhile, the increased footfall has also meant better business for several stall and ferry operators near the north portal of the Atal Tunnel.
However, continuous snowfall has now made conditions dangerous for driving.
Though four-wheel vehicles are still allowed on the Atal tunnel-Keylong route, the Manali district administration has advised tourists not to travel to Lahaul owing to the heavy snowfall.
