Key Highlights
- The Jam: Vehicles stuck for over 12–24 hours in an 8-km gridlock between Raison and Manali.
- Accommodation: Hotels are at 100% occupancy. No rooms available in Manali; Sissu and Keylong are inaccessible.
- Police Action: Tourist entry restricted. Vehicles being halted at Patlikuhal (16 km away).
- The Cause: Republic Day “Long Weekend” rush + Fresh Snowfall.
Manali: If you are planning to drive to Manali today—Stop.
The popular hill station has completely run out of capacity. Scenes of panic and frustration were witnessed on the Kullu-Manali Highway (NH-3) last night as thousands of tourists spent the freezing night inside their cars without food or water.
1. The 8-Km Gridlock
The traffic snarl, which began on Friday evening, turned into a nightmare by Saturday night and continues this morning.
- Stuck in Snow: The heavy snowfall made the roads slippery near Klath and Aloo Ground, causing vehicles to skid and blocking the narrow highway.
- The Queue: Reports confirm a bumper-to-bumper jam stretching over 8 kilometers.
- Tourist Ordeal: “We have been stuck here since 4 PM. It is now 2 AM. We have small children, and there is no water, let alone a bathroom,” said a tourist from Delhi stranded near Raison.
2. “No Room at the Inn”
Even those who managed to reach Manali found no relief.
- 100% Sold Out: The Hotel Association of Manali has confirmed that occupancy is at 100%.
- Unreachable Alternatives: While Sissu and Keylong are popular alternatives, they are currently inaccessible because the Atal Tunnel is closed due to snow.
- Sky-High Rates: In the few homestays available on the outskirts, room rates have reportedly surged by 300-400%.
- Sleeping in Lobbies: Videos circulating on social media show tourists sleeping in hotel lobbies and Gurudwaras as they couldn’t find rooms.
3. Police Crackdown: Entry Restricted
To decongest the town, the Kullu Police have taken drastic measures.
- The Checkpoint: All tourist vehicles are now being stopped at Patlikuhal (16 km before Manali).
- Diversions: Police are diverting tourists to Naggar and Kullu instead, urging them to find accommodation there.
- 4×4 Only: Only local 4×4 rescue vehicles and emergency services are being allowed past the blockade due to slippery black ice.
4. Weather Warning: It Gets Worse
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an Orange Alert for the next 48 hours.
- Forecast: Heavy to very heavy snowfall is predicted for Jan 25 and 26.
- Atal Tunnel: The tunnel remains CLOSED for tourists due to dangerous conditions at the South Portal.
Emergency Contacts
If you are currently stranded, use the following numbers for assistance:
- Police Control Room (Kullu): 112 or 01902-224700
- Tourist Information Centre (Manali): 01902-252175
- Disaster Management Control Room: 1077
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
A: The highway is technically open but blocked by massive jams. Police are actively stopping tourists at Patlikuhal. Travel is highly discouraged.
A: Traffic towards Kasol and Manikaran is also heavy, though slightly better than Manali. However, expect delays due to slippery roads.
A: With fresh snow predicted for Sunday and Monday, the situation is expected to remain critical until Jan 27.
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AUTHORSHIP & TRANSPARENCY
- Reported by: Kitto Travel Desk | Source: NDTV / Kullu Police Advisory (Jan 25, 2026).
- Disclaimer: Weather conditions in the Himalayas change rapidly. Please check official J&K/HP Traffic Police updates before starting your car.
