Why is it a good idea not to go to the mountains this New Year?
From high hotel prices to overwhelming crowds, aren’t the mountains calling for you this New Year?
in short
- Indians are traveling more this new year
- Unpredictable weather and overcrowding in hilly areas are making them uncomfortable
- Travel experts suggest considering delaying mountain trips to avoid festival crowds
When the clock strikes midnight on December 31, how are you planning to welcome the New Year? Will you escape to the mountains to celebrate the New Year with a spectacular view, or perhaps enjoy a cozy evening at home or in a charming café? (And yes, it’s totally okay to spend it alone, too!)
But if you are one of those adventurous people who are planning a holiday to mark the beginning of 2024 and have destinations like Manali, Mussoorie or Jammu in your mind, and live your ‘Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani’ moment. If you are, it’s worth taking a look. A moment to reconsider your plans.
‘We were stranded for 24 hours’
Payal Porwal, a 25-year-old engineer from Delhi NCR, planned to spend a quiet week in Manali before the New Year to avoid the infamous ‘New Year rush’. However, her carefully laid plans went awry when she found herself stranded for 24 hours during a trip to Solang Valley, one of Manali’s iconic hotspots.
“We thought we would go to Solang only for 2-3 hours and then go back, but we got stuck at the same place,” Payal shared. India Today,
While stranded, Payal considered herself lucky to have found a kind local family who offered help and allowed her group to use their toilet. “It was a relief,” she recalls. However, things took a turn for the worse when traffic started moving two hours later, but chaos ensued as impatient drivers overtook each other in an attempt to overtake. She adds, “This caused another traffic jam and we were stuck in the same area the whole night.”
Eventually, Payal and her friends decided to book a hotel in Solang Valley after the police advised them not to continue the journey. Icy roads became dangerous, with many cars stuck and unable to move forward.
Payal’s story is far from an isolated incident. Recently, a viral video of a travel vlogger @chluckytyagi stranded in a snowstorm in Manali created widespread concern. According to him, the clip, shot in the picturesque Solang Valley, shows a grim reality: More than 1,500 vehicles, including the official car of the Himachal SDM, are stuck in the snow.
“Those planning to visit Solang Valley, please reconsider. More than 1,500 vehicles are stuck due to heavy snowfall. There’s chaos here—please don’t come,” the vlogger warned, pointing to the endless queue of stationary vehicles.
trapped in ice
Payal was one of about 10,000 tourists stranded in Solang Valley last Friday (December 27) when a severe snow storm lashed the area. Around 2,000 vehicles were trapped, only 100 cars were able to escape as many drivers were missing from the scene. This incident made headlines, presenting a horrifying picture of anarchy.
Such harsh weather conditions often lead to tragic accidents, especially in popular hill stations, where roads become dangerous due to snow and ice.
history repeating itself
Love for New Year holidays is a growing trend in India, but it also has some disadvantages. Last year, there were massive traffic jams in Himachal Pradesh during the festival season, with over 55,000 tourists stranded in various areas. This year looks set to follow the same scenario, perhaps even on a larger scale, with an increase in travel.
slip and slide
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning of extreme cold and dense fog in northwest and central India, including Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Jammu and Kashmir. The situation is getting worse day by day, with fog-filled highways and snow-laden hill stations already witnessing a rise in accidents.
Social media is filled with videos showing vehicles sliding dangerously on icy roads. In one particularly worrying clip, even a 4×4 (passenger car) was nearly wrecked due to the slippery conditions.
Meanwhile, Uttarakhand is facing additional challenges, with the DRDO laboratory Defense Geoinformatics Research Establishment (DGRE) recently issuing an orange alert for avalanches. Heavy snowfall has also occurred in high altitude areas like Chamoli, Badrinath, Hemkund Sahib, Auli and Gorson, similar reports are coming from Jammu also. Such conditions often increase the chances of accidents.
high prices in frosty paradise
Another challenge for winter travelers is the steep rise in accommodation prices. As the New Year approaches, hotel rates skyrocket, and options become limited as most major properties are fully booked. This situation becomes even worse if you are suddenly planning a holiday during the New Year.
Tips to avoid New Year crowds in Indian mountains
Now, if you are still planning to travel this New Year, here are some tips, shared by Punky Sood, who runs an eco-friendly boutique in Manali:
- Remember to park ethically, as not following it can lead to traffic jams.
- If you are going with children and elderly people then avoid crowded places.
- Stay with your group, and do not interact with other groups, as this may create a ‘nuisance’.
- Hotel rates and transportation costs are expected to increase significantly during the New Year period. To avoid exorbitant charges, book your accommodation months in advance or choose budget-friendly options like homestays or guesthouses.
- Always pack snacks and ready-to-eat foods in your vehicle while traveling.
- Panki also reminds us not to litter while travelling!
Finally, avoid dreaming of spending New Year’s Eve in the mountains if possible. Proceed a day or a day later. The mountains are not calling this New Year!
