A recent viral video has shattered the idyllic winter image of Manali, sparking a fierce online debate about tourist expectations and ground realities. The clip, which has been viewed by millions, challenges the popular notion of the hill station as a snowy paradise during the winter season.
Video Alleges Snow Was Transported by Truck
The controversy began when a tourist named Atul Chauhan posted a video on Instagram with the caption "Scam." The footage shows a stark and surprising scene. A small, isolated patch of snow is visible, with a few tourists attempting to ski on it. However, the surrounding landscape tells a completely different story.
The area around this snowy strip is dry, rocky, and conspicuously devoid of any natural snowfall. The visual contrast is jarring, making the snow patch look entirely out of place. In the video, Chauhan can be heard making a serious allegation. He claims that the snow was not a result of natural weather but was deliberately brought to the site.
"Finally, let me show you how snowfall is happening in Manali. Look in front of you - these people have brought snow in trucks, are dumping it here, and then making people do activities on it," Chauhan states in the clip. The video shows tourists gathered around the man-made patch, skiing and taking photographs, while the wider environment remains barren.
Social Media Erupts with Anger and Sarcasm
The video quickly went viral, triggering a wave of reactions across social media platforms. Many users expressed anger and solidarity with Chauhan, accusing local activity operators of misleading visitors who travel to Manali with dreams of a white winter wonderland.
One user commented sarcastically, "I have more snow in my fridge than this." Others directed their frustration towards the tourists, questioning their awareness before paying for such experiences. "Scam what, brother? You choose to pay them and do it. Don't you know if it's snowfall time or not?" wrote another user.
The reactions also included a heavy dose of humour. A third user joked, "There is also a green screen. The rest of the snow will be added in the edit." The online discourse highlighted a growing scrutiny of winter tourism practices in popular destinations.
A Wake-Up Call for Winter Travel Expectations
This incident serves as a significant moment for India's winter travel circuit. Manali has long been a top choice for snow seekers, with social media feeds every season filled with pictures and videos of snowfall and skiing. This viral clip, however, has forced a conversation about the disconnect between marketing, social media portrayal, and the actual on-ground conditions tourists might encounter.
It raises critical questions about the ethics of tourism operators and the responsibility of travelers to research conditions before their trips. The debate extends beyond a single video to encompass the broader expectations set by promotional content versus the variable realities of nature-dependent tourism.
Disclaimer: This report is based on a viral video shared on social media. The authenticity of the video and the claims made within it have not been independently verified by the publication. The views expressed are solely those of the individual in the video.
