Manali, Nov. 10 -- With air quality deteriorating to hazardous levels across Delhi-NCR post-Diwali, travellers from the national capital region and the northern plains are flocking to the picturesque hill town of Manali in Himachal Pradesh to escape the toxic smog and seek respite in the crisp mountain air and early snowfall in the higher reaches.

The onset of early snowfall in the higher reaches, combined with crisp autumn weather, has turned the Kullu-Manali valley into a preferred refuge for travellers.

Ayush Jain, a tourist visiting from Delhi, said the hazardous air quality in the capital prompted him to head for the mountains.

"Around Diwali, the pollution levels in Delhi were severe. I was experiencing redness and irritation in ...