With Shimla experiencing first snow of the season on Saturday, it could be the first time in 22 years when tourists will be able to celebrate a white Christmas. Snowfall in Shimla continued for the next day as well making conditions more apt for white Christmas.
The queen of hills in North India has not witnessed a white Christmas (Christmas celebrations with snow clad surroundings) since 1991. Snowfall in Shimla usually occurs during year end or at the start of the New Year. But early snowfall this year has thrilled the tourists. Shimla received 5.2 mm and 5.9 mm of snow on Saturday and Sunday respectively. The presence of a Western Disturbance just before the Christmas celebrations has brought snow and rain in the region.
The other places in Himachal Pradesh like Kullu, Manali, Rohtang Pass, Lahaul and Spiti are also snow clad and can be other options to celebrate a white Christmas.
However, tourists flocking these destinations of Himachal Pradesh will have to encounter cold wave conditions as night temperatures may fall to sub-zero levels on Christmas day. Day temperature in Shimla and Kullu will be near normal while Manali will still observe below average temperatures.
