Shimla, Sept. 22 -- The tourism and hospitality sectors in Kullu and Lahaul-Spiti districts of Himachal Pradesh are staring at a bleak festive season as the once popular destination of Manali wears a deserted look with the Chandigarh-Manali national highway having suffered extensive damage on several stretches due to the overflowing Beas river and landslides triggered by heavy rain this monsoon.

Hotels in Manali that are normally booked to capacity during the Navratra break in September-end have zero occupancy this time, while the once-crowded streets and buzzing bus stand in Old Manali, dubbed as Mini Israel for its popularity among foreigners, wear a desolate look.

The five-hour journey from Chandigarh to Manali now stretches to at le...