The allure of Himachal Pradesh’s scenic rivers is drawing tourists in droves this season, but the obsession with capturing the perfect selfie has turned deadly in some cases. In the Parvati Valley, located in the picturesque Kullu district, a recent incident highlighted the deadly consequences of underestimating nature’s power. A tourist ventured onto a rock in the middle of the fast-flowing River Parvati near Kasol to take a selfie, but lost his footing and plunged into the icy waters.

Though considered a decent swimmer, the man struggled against the river’s frigid temperature and powerful current. He was soon wedged between rocks midstream, fighting to stay afloat. Fortunately, nearby hotel staff spotted him and rushed to his aid just in time, pulling him out before hypothermia could set in.

The Growing Trend of Riversides Selfies

The trend of tourists taking selfies by riversides has become increasingly popular in Himachal Pradesh, but locals and officials are sounding the alarm about the dangers. Many visitors underestimate the force of mountain rivers, mistaking their calm surface for safety. “People see the calm surface and forget that beneath it lies a current strong enough to sweep away even the strongest swimmer,” said a local hotelier in Manikaran, who has witnessed multiple rescue operations in recent years.

WATCH THE VIRAL VIDEO:

One idiot being rescued from parvati river.

He was staying at some riverside cottage and thought he is mightier than the parvati.

Season of foolishness has started for us. #HimachalPradesh #tourism pic.twitter.com/8g5Cy0jpNC

— Sidharth Shukla (@sidhshuk) April 14, 2025

The Rising Risks with Snowmelt and High Waters

As summer progresses and the snow in the high Himalayas melts, rivers like the Parvati, Beas, and Chandrabhaga experience dramatic surges in water levels, which increases their flow speed and volume. Despite numerous warnings, tourists continue to venture too close to the banks, seeking the perfect photo. Just days ago, two tourists were swept away by the River Chandrabhaga near Sissu in the Lahaul-Spiti region. One of the victims, a 19-year-old from Jharkhand, remains missing, and search operations continue.

Authorities Urge Tourists to Prioritize Safety

The authorities have issued stern advisories for visitors, urging them to be more cautious and responsible when interacting with these powerful rivers. Some of the key safety tips include:

Avoid entering mountain rivers: Fast-flowing water can turn fatal within seconds, even for skilled swimmers.
Stay off slippery rocks: Wet stones near and inside rivers are treacherously slick and often unstable.
Supervise children and pets closely: Maintain a safe distance from the banks, particularly during high water.
Resist the selfie temptation: No photo is worth risking your life.
Protect the environment: Refrain from littering, and remember that preserving these natural spaces is a shared responsibility.

Tourism officials are also urging visitors to stay away from riverbanks during peak summer when the snowmelt significantly increases the risk of flash floods and strong undercurrents.

Himachal Pradesh’s rivers offer stunning landscapes and thrilling experiences, but the growing trend of selfies and reckless behavior near these powerful waters is putting lives at risk. It’s a stark reminder to all tourists to respect nature’s force and prioritize safety over social media content.