Srinagar: Kashmir woke up to its first major snowfall of the season on Wednesday, turning Gulmarg and several high-altitude regions into a postcard-perfect white paradise and drawing excited tourists to the slopes.
The fresh spell brought cheer to the Valley and renewed hope for a strong winter tourism season after recent setbacks. Thick snow cloaked Gulmarg’s meadows and the Apharwat slopes, thrilling visitors who had not expected an early winter spell.
From Sonamarg to Gurez and Zojila Pass to Peer Ki Gali, peaks across north and central Kashmir wore a fresh coat of white. Razdan Top in Bandipora recorded nearly two inches of snow, while Sonamarg, Baltal, Zojila Pass, and other higher belts saw light accumulation of 1–2 cm.
For tourists, the surprise snowfall felt like a dream. Preeti, a visitor from Mumbai, said she felt lucky to witness the moment. She shared how she arrived in Gulmarg expecting cold but not snowfall, and described the landscape as paradise, adding that she felt safe and welcomed in the Valley. Another traveller, Tushar, echoed her sentiment, calling the timing perfect and the people warm and hospitable.
The snowfall also lifted spirits among locals. Gulmarg guide Mohd Saleem said the rush of tourists after the first flakes fell was immediate, bringing fresh livelihood opportunities. He noted that the tourism sector, shaken after the Pahalgam attack earlier this year, is now looking at the winter season with renewed optimism.
While the snow brought joy to hill stations, it also resulted in restrictions. The Mughal Road, linking Shopian with Rajouri and Poonch, was closed at Peer Ki Gali as a precaution. Authorities urged travellers to avoid the route until conditions improve.
Temperatures in the region hovered between 0°C and 14°C. Weather officials expect the wet spell to continue for the next few hours before clearer skies settle in for up to two weeks. The early snowfall, they say, is ideal for maintaining snow reserves in upper reaches while allowing accessibility in towns and plains.
