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12 tourists rescued from Raghupur Fort in Kullu amid heavy snowfall

In view of the adverse weather conditions, an advisory has been issued for the Banjar-Jibhi-Sojha region. Meanwhile, 3,330 cusecs of water will be released from the Pandoh Dam into the Beas River.

2 min readShimlaJan 24, 2026 02:17 PM IST

12 tourists rescued from Raghupur Fort in Kullu amid heavy snowfall

“Six locals promptly stepped in and successfully rescued all 12 tourists, who were later escorted safely and are now proceeding towards Sojha via Jibhi. No injuries were reported,” a senior officer said. (file)

Twelve tourists stranded amid heavy snow near Raghupur Fort in Himachal Pradesh’s Kullu district were safely rescued on Saturday by locals, officials confirmed.

According to the District Police Control Room (DPCR), Kullu, the rescue operation was carried out around Saturday noon. Officials said the tourists were visiting the Raghupur Fort area when they were caught in heavy snowfall due to deteriorating weather conditions.

In view of the prevailing adverse weather conditions and poor road status in the Banjar–Jibhi–Sojha–Jalori belt, the sub-divisional magistrate (SDM), Banjar, issued a public advisory. Vehicular movement is permitted only up to Ghiyagi, while tourists have been advised to restrict their stay to Jibhi and Ghiyagi, as per the advisory. The administration has also strictly warned against unnecessary travel and trekking activities until weather and road conditions improve.

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All stakeholders have been urged to cooperate fully with the administration. Copies of the advisory have been forwarded to the authorities in Banjar, including the sub-divisional police officer, tehsildar, station house officer, and the assistant engineer, National Highway (NH), Himachal Pradesh Public Works Department, with directions to display the advisory prominently along NH 305 between Aut and Jalori Pass.

Meanwhile, in Karsog subdivision in Mandi district, restoration work on roads blocked due to rain and snowfall is continuing at a war footing. Gaurav Mahajan, SDM, Karsog, said, “PWD machinery has been deployed continuously to reopen affected roads. Priority is being given to restoring the Shimla–Mandi road, which connects Karsog to the district headquarters and Shimla, along with other snowbound routes.”

Separately, officials also confirmed that 3,330 cusecs of water will be released from the Pandoh Dam into the Beas River on Saturday, as water levels in the reservoir have risen following continuous rainfall over the past 36 hours. Authorities said the release is being carried out as a precautionary measure.

Saurabh Parashar

Saurabh Parashar is an Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, primarily responsible for the publication’s coverage of Himachal Pradesh. He is a seasoned journalist with over 17 years of experience in print media, specializing in crime, legal affairs, and investigative reporting. Professional Background Education: He holds a Master’s degree in Mass Communication from Guru Jambheshwar University of Science & Technology (Hisar) and a Law degree from Himachal Pradesh University (HPU), Shimla. This legal background significantly informs his reporting on complex judicial and administrative matters. Career Path: Before joining The Indian Express in 2017, he spent 12 years with The Times of India. Core Beats: His primary focus is the socio-political landscape of the hill state, with a specific emphasis on the environment, forest conservation, drug menace (specifically "Chitta"), affairs related to tribal and archaeology and the unique challenges of governance in high-altitude regions. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) His recent reporting highlights the critical intersection of policy, law, and social safety in Himachal Pradesh: 1. "Himachal’s battle against Chitta: Why the border areas are most vulnerable" (Late 2025): An investigative look at the transit routes from Punjab and the impact on local youth. 2. "Shimla ropeway clears key hurdle as 820 trees face the axe :According to the Forest Survey of India’s 2021 assessment, 47.21 percent of Shimla’s 5,131 sq km geographical area is under forest cover (Nov 17, 2025). 3. "Himachal to handover 2.7427 ha of non-forest land for Shimla Ropeway: Given the land’s non-forest nature, RTDC and the state will not require permission from MoEFCC" (Nov 18, 2025) 4. "How the centuries-old Jodidara tradition is fading in Himachal’s Trans-Giri region: Jodidara: a form of fraternal polyandry—has long been part of Hatti tribal culture in the Trans-Giri region of Himachal Pradesh and adjoining Uttarakhand. It is believed to have evolved to prevent division of ancestral land and maintain unity among brothers in the harsh, mountainous terrain" (Aug 18, 2025) Legal & Agricultural Affairs "Kisan Sabha hails SC’s setting aside Himachal HC order to remove orchards from forest land" (Dec 18, 2025): Covering a major Supreme Court victory for farmers, where a High Court order to remove fruit-bearing apple orchards was overturned. "Himachal Cabinet nod to new tourism policy; focus on home-stays in tribal areas" (Dec 11, 2025): Detailing the legislative push to decentralize tourism and bring economic benefits to Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur. 3. Governance & Environment "Forest rights and development: Why Himachal is seeking more leeway from Centre" (Dec 19, 2025): Reporting on the legal hurdles faced by the state in infrastructure projects due to the Forest Conservation Act. "Cloudbursts and resilience: How Himachal’s remote villages are building back better" (Nov 2025): Following up on the long-term rehabilitation efforts after monsoon-related disasters. Crime especially cyber crimes, crypto currency etc: crypto currency: "Agents in uniform, motivational speeches, lavish parties: How a Himachal crypto con went unnoticed:A serial conman, a ‘Nelson Mandela Nobel Peace Award winner', and retired policemen got together to pull off a Rs 1,740-crore fraud" (Nov 10, 2023) Signature Beats Saurabh is recognized for his tenacious reporting on the state's drug epidemic. His deep familiarity with the topography and tribal culture of Himachal allows him to report from remote locations like Spiti, Pangi, Shillai, which are often overlooked by national media. His legal expertise makes him a primary choice for covering the Himachal Pradesh High Court on issues ranging from local body elections to environmental PILs. X (Twitter): @saurabh_prashar . ... Read More

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