Shimla welcomes rare December snowfall after two decades, tourism soars

Shimla, the iconic hill station, experienced an early winter surprise with its first December snowfall in over 20 years.

On December 9, the town and nearby areas like Kufri and Kasauli were blanketed in snow, transforming them into dreamy winter destinations. This rare event marked an early arrival of winter, drawing tourists who reveled in the picturesque white landscapes.

Shimla recorded a minimum temperature of 2.5 degrees Celsius, while other regions in Himachal Pradesh experienced even colder conditions. Seobagh recorded 0 degrees Celsius, Bajaura 0.1 degrees, Manali 0.2 degrees, Kufri 0.4 degrees, Solan 0.5 degrees, and Una 1 degree. Ganesh Sud, a long-time resident of Shimla, remarked, "This is the first snowfall in early December that I can recall in over two decades."

The snowfall quickly became a trending topic online, with videos of snow-laden landscapes and tourists enjoying the weather circulating widely. However, the snow in Shimla melted quickly due to relatively higher temperatures, according to the Meteorological Department.

In contrast, higher-altitude areas like Lahaul-Spiti, Chamba, Kullu, Kinnaur, and parts of Shimla district continued to see heavy snowfall. Notably, apple-growing regions like Jubbal and Kharapathar also received fresh snow, benefiting local agriculture.

The unexpected snowfall has provided a major boost to Himachal Pradesh's tourism sector. Hoteliers are anticipating increased bookings as travellers flock to the region to experience its winter charm. Shimla, with its snow-covered colonial-era buildings and opportunities for winter activities, is expected to draw large crowds in the lead-up to Christmas and New Year.