Lahaul witnessed 13% surge in tourist footfall last yr

Picturesque Lahaul and Spiti district has emerged as a key tourist destination in Himachal Pradesh that had witnessed a significant rise in both domestic and foreign tourist arrivals in 2024. As per the official data, the district welcomed 10.55 lakh domestic tourists and 7,504 foreign tourists in 2024, marking a 13.24 per cent increase in the total tourist footfall compared to 2023.

This upward trend highlights the growing appeal of the region’s serene landscapes, adventure tourism and unique cultural experiences. In 2023, the district had recorded 8.23 lakh domestic and 7,035 foreign tourists, representing a 5.99 per cent increase from 2022 figures.

June 2024 stood out as the peak month for domestic tourism, attracting 2.91 lakh visitors, while February 2024 saw the lowest footfall with just 5,213 domestic tourists, primarily due to harsh winter conditions and limited accessibility. In terms of foreign tourist arrivals, July 2024 registered the highest influx with 2,118 visitors, whereas December 2024 recorded the lowest with just 23 international tourists.

The upward trajectory began in 2022, when 7.42 lakh domestic and 3,792 foreign tourists visited the district. June in 2022 recorded the highest domestic tourist arrivals of 2.55 lakh, while January 2022 saw the lowest arrivals of 3,530. For foreign tourists, July, 2022, drew the highest number of 1,323 tourists with February seeing only eight tourists.

Tourism officials attribute this steady growth to improved road connectivity through Atal Tunnel on the Manali-Leh highway, improved infrastructure, active promotion of off-season tourism and increased interest in eco-tourism and cultural experiences offered by the region.

“The consistent growth in tourist numbers reflects the district’s potential as a year-round destination,” said a Tourism Department spokesperson. “Efforts are going on to further improve facilities and ensure sustainable tourism practices,” he added.

While June continues to be the preferred month for domestic tourists, the foreign tourist data indicates a shift towards mid-year travel, particularly in July and August, when the region is most accessible and offers favourable weather for trekking and sightseeing.

With over a 13 per cent rise in the tourist footfall in 2024, Lahaul and Spiti is firmly establishing itself on both domestic and international travel maps — a promising sign for the region’s economy and cultural exchange.

Punjab