The Defence Geoinformatics Research Establishment (DGRE) has issued an orange-level avalanche warning (Danger Level 3) for slopes above 3,000 metres in Chamba, Lahaul-Spiti, Kullu and Kinnaur districts of Himachal Pradesh. (timesofindia.indiatimes.com)
Local authorities closed 272 roads in Lahaul-Spiti and 77 in Kullu after fresh snow triggered multiple small slides. Power lines and mobile networks were also hit, complicating rescue logistics. Tour operators reported that at least 450 domestic tourists, many on weekend ski trips, are stuck in Sangla and Keylong; police have asked hotels to extend concessional rates until the roads reopen.
![Avalanche alert shutters high-altitude roads in Himachal, stranding tourists and supply trucks]()
The mountain corridors are popular with overland adventure travellers and long-haul backpackers connecting via Delhi or Chandigarh. Supply disruptions could also affect hydro-power projects employing expatriate engineers on temporary visas. The Border Roads Organisation is deploying snow-cutters but warns that clearance may take three days if snowfall continues.
Travellers dealing with sudden itinerary changes may also need urgent visa modifications or extensions. VisaHQ’s online portal (https://www.visahq.com/india/) streamlines applications for Indian visas, e-visas and special permits, providing real-time guidance and courier options so that stranded tourists, expat engineers and tour operators can stay compliant while waiting for routes to reopen.
DGRE advised travellers to avoid back-country routes and for vehicles to carry snow chains and emergency rations. Insurers reminded policyholders that standard travel policies often exclude ‘acts of nature’ unless optional cover is taken—a gap that corporates should review before sanctioning staff trips to alpine project sites.
Local authorities closed 272 roads in Lahaul-Spiti and 77 in Kullu after fresh snow triggered multiple small slides. Power lines and mobile networks were also hit, complicating rescue logistics. Tour operators reported that at least 450 domestic tourists, many on weekend ski trips, are stuck in Sangla and Keylong; police have asked hotels to extend concessional rates until the roads reopen.
The mountain corridors are popular with overland adventure travellers and long-haul backpackers connecting via Delhi or Chandigarh. Supply disruptions could also affect hydro-power projects employing expatriate engineers on temporary visas. The Border Roads Organisation is deploying snow-cutters but warns that clearance may take three days if snowfall continues.
Travellers dealing with sudden itinerary changes may also need urgent visa modifications or extensions. VisaHQ’s online portal (https://www.visahq.com/india/) streamlines applications for Indian visas, e-visas and special permits, providing real-time guidance and courier options so that stranded tourists, expat engineers and tour operators can stay compliant while waiting for routes to reopen.
DGRE advised travellers to avoid back-country routes and for vehicles to carry snow chains and emergency rations. Insurers reminded policyholders that standard travel policies often exclude ‘acts of nature’ unless optional cover is taken—a gap that corporates should review before sanctioning staff trips to alpine project sites.
