Shimla, Nov 9 - Moderate snowfall Monday covered the high reaches of Himachal Pradesh and generated hopes of revival of tourism in the state, officials said.

"Higher reaches of Lahaul and Spiti, Chamba, Kullu and Kinnaur districts experienced moderate snowfall early this (Monday) morning," meteorological office director Manmohan Singh told IANS.

He said other areas of the state, including Dharamsala, Shimla, Solan, Nahan, Bilaspur, Manali and Mandi received moderate to heavy rain, bringing the temperature down considerably.

The Rohtang Pass (13,050 feet) and the Baralacha Pass (16,020 ft) - located on the Manali-Leh highway - also experienced snow.

The snowfall and rain have cheered farmers and hoteliers in the region.

"Timely snowfall has generated hopes of revival of tourism after the setback last year due to less or no snow in most of the popular tourists spots in the state," said D. P. Bhatia of Clarke's Hotel in Shimla.

The meteorological office said there is a possibility of more snowfall and rain in the next few days. (IANS)