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It's the time of the year again! December marks the time when the breathtaking hill ranges are covered by the layers of beautiful white sheets. Among the most scenic and frequently visited hill ranges in the hill resort of Manali, which is also one of the most famous and scenic hill stations located in the state of Himachal Pradesh, draws the crowd of tourists for the purpose of witnessing the snowy weather of the winter season.
A recent viral video on the popular photo-sharing app “Instagram” has brought into the limelight what the users have been describing as the “snow scam” taking place in the town. In the video posting, the tourists have been lured into sitting on a small portion of the artificially generated snow, while the remaining area appears to be dull and rock-strewn.
Manali viral ‘snow scam’ goes viral: Artificial snow and misleading winter experiences
In this video shared on Instagram by Atul Chauhan, one sees a small patch of snow artificially created in such a way as to enable tourists who come skiing or taking pictures.
From the remainder of the landscape surrounding this patch, one would conclude that there is no snowfall at this location, as the ground is completely dried up, with rocks exposed. This video claims that the small patch of snow has actually been used by local guides in such a way as to make tourists believe that they are in a location with thick snow cover, when in reality this is not the case. In another video, Chauhan went ahead and claimed that this snow had actually been sourced from other locations.
Tourist reactions and social media buzz on viral ‘snow scam’
The clip went on to trigger a series of reactions on social platforms. While some people reacted negatively towards local vendors for deceiving tourists, others took it further by explaining that it is not guaranteed that it to snow in Manali during their season. Some remarks are comical, such as, “I have more snow in my fridge than this,” indicating reactions of disbelief. Others posted destinations where one can experience snowfall.
Key tips before you travel
- Check weather forecasts: Look up snowfall predictions and seasonal reports to plan your visit during periods of likely natural snow.
- Confirm with hotels or guides: Ask local hotels or tour guides if snow is genuinely present in the area to avoid misleading experiences.
- Consider alternative destinations: If snowfall in Manali is uncertain, explore other hill stations or winter destinations with guaranteed snow.
- Read recent reviews and social media posts: Check experiences of other travellers to get real-time insights into current conditions and avoid disappointment.
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