A viral video showed tourists posing for photos and attempting winter sport activities at an allegedly fake ‘snow point’ in Manali. Many social media users reacted humorously.

Every winter, travellers flock to the Himalayan foothills of Manali in Himachal Pradesh, chasing the idyllic promise of snow-covered slopes and classic mountain sports. But a recent viral video has highlighted the gap between expectation and reality that some tourists encountered during a December trip. In footage shared online by a visitor to the region, a supposed snow activity site is shown. What’s visible is a narrow strip of snow that seems to be laid out on otherwise dry terrain.

According to the person recording, some local guides directed visitors interested in skiing and other winter-related experiences to this small patch of snow. He called it a “scam” as the snow had allegedly been brought in from elsewhere. There seemed to be an absence of natural snowfall in the surrounding landscape. The tourist who is filming the video points out the same discrepancy. The viral video shows rocky, snowless ground, contrasting sharply with the few square metres of white flakes. Travellers are seen attempting ski-like activities on this stretch, renting gear and posing for photos.