Touts, taxi drivers fleece tourists in Manali

A case of tourist exploitation surfaced in Manali on Wednesday after visitors reported being duped by a taxi driver and a snow dress kiosk operator. According to the tourists, their taxi driver misled them by claiming that snow attire would not be available further uphill. He then diverted them to a specific kiosk, where they were persuaded into buying an overpriced package that included a yak ride, skiing and another activity at Solang Nala for Rs 5,000 for three people. However, upon reaching Solang Nala, they discovered that the same activities were available at significantly lower rates, leaving them feeling deceived.

When the tourists sought guidance on where to lodge a complaint, they realised that they were not alone in facing such exploitation by touts and taxi operators. This incident underscores a recurring issue in Manali, where visitors — unfamiliar with local norms — are frequently misled into unreasonably expensive bundled deals.

The problem has been raised before, with local stakeholders opposing such package-selling tactics. At a recent meeting with the Manali MLA, Bhuvneshwar Gaur, it was decided that individuals involved in one business should not promote or sell packages for other activities.

Overpricing, unregulated fares add to tourist woes

The problem extends beyond packaged deals. Taxi fares to tourist hotspots like Rohtang Pass and Solang Valley are often inflated, sometimes reaching four times the standard rate. Even short-distance trips cost unreasonably high amounts due to the lack of fare regulation. The situation worsens during snowfall, with 4X4 taxi drivers demanding up to Rs 5,000 for a mere 10-km ride. The dominance of taxi and auto unions prevents external operators from offering competitive prices, leaving tourists with no alternative but to pay exorbitant fares. Unlike other major tourist destinations, Manali lacks a pre-paid taxi or auto system, further enabling overcharging.

Parking chaos, poor infra

Adding to the inconvenience, parking in Manali remains a major issue. The limited availability of public parking forces tourists to rely on private lots, where charges are often excessive. A recent viral receipt exposed parking rates of Rs 150 before 5 pm and Rs 180 afterward for SUVs, sparking public outrage. Poor infrastructure and a lack of enforcement have allowed such unethical practices to thrive, further tarnishing Manali’s reputation.

Unchecked tourist exploitation not only discourages visitors but also harms the local hospitality industry. Concerned locals are demanding strict regulation of taxi fares, introduction of metered taxis, and better oversight from the administration, tourism department and RTO. There is also a growing call for swift action on complaints of overcharging to deter repeat offenses.

To protect Manali’s reputation as a traveller’s paradise, proactive measures must be taken. These include transparent fare structures, reasonable parking fee and clear signboards informing tourists of standard rates. Strengthening infrastructure and enforcing strict penalties against offenders is essential to ensure that visitors leave with cherished memories rather than tales of fraud and exploitation. Manali deserves to be experienced ethically and fairly, preserving its charm for generations to come.Kullu

Himachal Tribune