Is the mountains calling? You aren’t alone. But if you’re planning a trip to Himachal Pradesh this January 2026, the rules have changed. From brand-new aerial routes that skip the traffic to sudden village closures you need to know about, here is your trend report on what’s happening in the Himalayas right now.
1. The Game Changer: Shimla to Spiti in Minutes? Almost.
The biggest buzz in 2026 isn’t a new cafe—it’s how you get there. Starting January 14, 2026, the Himachal government has launched daily helicopter flights under the UDAN scheme.
- The Route: Shimla (Sanjauli) ⇄ Bhuntar (Kullu) and Shimla ⇄ Rekong Peo (Kinnaur).
- The Vibe: Imagine swapping an 8-hour winding bus ride for a 40-minute scenic flight over snow-capped peaks.
- The Cost: Fares are starting around ₹3,500 – ₹4,000.
- Why You Should Care: If you’re prone to motion sickness or short on time, this is your golden ticket to the deeper Himalayas.
2. TRAVEL ALERT: Sissu is Closed (Yes, Really)
If your Instagram feed convinced you to drive through the Atal Tunnel to Sissu for that viral waterfall shot, stop. As of mid-January, the local Panchayats of Sissu and Koksar have halted tourism activities until early March.
- The Reason: The sacred Halda Festival (similar to a carnival of lights) has begun. To respect the local deities, silence is required, and hotels/homestays have voluntarily shut down.
- Alternative: Head to Keylong or Jispa if you want deep snow, or stick to the Solang Valley side of the tunnel.
3. The Party is in Manali (Jan 20-24)
If you felt Manali was a bit quiet earlier this month, just wait. The famous Manali Winter Carnival has been rescheduled and is now confirmed for January 20th to 24th, 2026.
- What to Expect: The Mall Road turns into a parade ground with local folk dancers, “Winter Queen” pageants, and street plays. It’s chaotic, loud, and incredibly colorful.
- Trend Watch: Look out for the “Mahanati”—a massive folk dance performed by hundreds of local women in traditional attire. It’s a photographer’s dream.
4. The “Dry Spell” Reality Check
You might have read headlines about a “dry winter” worrying apple growers. It’s true—snow has been elusive in lower hills like Shimla town itself.
- Where to find snow: You need to go higher. Kufri, Narkanda, Sethan (Hamta), and Solang Valley are your best bets.
- The Silver Lining: The dry weather means clearer roads and crisper views of the peaks, even if you aren’t knee-deep in powder at your hotel doorstep.
5. What’s Trending: “Altitude Therapy”
In 2026, we are seeing a shift away from “sightseeing checklists.” The current vibe is Slow Travel.
- Where people are going:
- Jibhi & Tirthan Valley: For wooden treehouses and doing absolutely nothing by the river.
- Old Manali: For the “Glowmad” crowd—think vegan cafes, thrift shopping, and working from mountains.
The Alpine Roots Verdict: Skip Sissu this month. Book that helicopter ride if you can snag a seat. And if you want culture, aim for Manali after the 20th. The mountains are waiting, just make sure you know which door is open.
Planning a trip? DM us on Instagram @TheAlpineRoots for the latest road status updates!