In a surprising twist this winter, Manali has emerged as the go-to destination for thrill-seekers and snowstorm enthusiasts alike, transforming what used to be simply a stunning mountain retreat into an adrenaline-pumping winter wonderland. The latest tourist attraction? A little something we like to call "Getting Stuck in a Snowstorm." With over a foot of snow blanketing the roads, traffic in Manali came to a screeching halt recently, leaving approximately 1,000 vehicles trapped in a frosty gridlock. But fear not, intrepid travelers — with a plethora of stranded cars lining the snow-laden streets, the scene presented itself as the perfect Instagram backdrop for those looking to up their adventure game. “It’s like a live-action snow globe,” one tourist remarked while glancing wistfully at the magnificent pile of snow built up on her car's roof. As authorities heroically rescued around 700 tourists from their wintry quagmires, one can't help but admire the sheer audacity of attempting a trip to a snow-laden hill station without checking the weather forecast. “Who needs a guidebook?” chuckled one tourist, snugly wrapped in layers of clothing, “This is the closest we’ll get to experiencing the Arctic without leaving the country!” Meanwhile, just a few miles away in Shimla, the scene was decidedly more tranquil. Visitors flocked to the city, extending their stays to revel in the snow-dusted vistas with nary a care in the world. The Shimla tourist board reports a 143% increase in sales of hot chocolate, likely driven by the new winter marketing slogan: “Hot Chocolate: because standing waist-deep in snow is thirsty work!” Local businesses, too, are cashing in on the snow-delay trend. Bars not only served up mulled wine and steaming cups of chai, but also packaged ‘emergency snow rations’ for those forced to settle into the snow for an indefinite period. “You can’t truly experience winter in Manali until you’ve been stuck without snacks,” said one enterprising cafe owner while brandishing bags of overpriced chips. As the snow continued to fall and the rescue operation drew to a close, many tourists expressed satisfaction with their newly acquired adventure. "I came seeking serenity in the snow, but this is a whole new level of excitement!" said a wide-eyed youngster, clutching a melted snowman he built during his four-hour wait for the road to clear. As local tourism officials look to the future, the concept of winter trap tourism is catching on. Plans are already underway to start promoting snowstorm packages as part of an all-new “Get Stranded!” initiative. Travelers, mark your calendars; next year’s slogan will be: “Forget the slopes – discover the thrill of the hill, one snowstorm at a time!” As tourists and residents alike shrug off the chaos in Manali, one thing becomes painfully clear: winter in the hills has never been so fabulous… or quite so stuck!