The world-famous tourist destination Gulmarg in north Kashmir received its first major snowfall of the season on Tuesday, turning the scenic valley into a magical white wonderland. The fresh snow covered
Apharwat and the main bowl area, drawing cheers from tourists and locals who rushed outdoors to enjoy the chilly yet picturesque weather.
As snowflakes blanketed the region, visitors were seen capturing selfies and videos of the breathtaking landscape. Excitement was high among tourists who were thrilled to witness the snow-clad slopes of Gulmarg.
“This is my first snowfall experience, and it’s absolutely surreal,” said a tourist from Delhi. Locals, too, expressed joy as the season’s first snow is expected to bring a surge in tourist arrivals.
A user added, “Log ab video me dekhe, Kashmir ko to behtar hoga. [Better to enjoy the snow virtually]” For context, in Pahalgam, 25 Indians and one Nepali citizen were killed in a barbaric terrorist attack earlier this year.
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Hope for a Promising Winter Tourism Season
Tourism stakeholders have welcomed the early snowfall, hoping it will mark the beginning of a busy winter season. Gulmarg, known for its world-class skiing slopes, attracts thousands of domestic and international tourists every year. “This snowfall is a great start. We expect more visitors in the coming weeks as winter sports activities pick up,” said a local hotelier.
Weather Office Predicts More Snow in Coming Days
According to the Meteorological (MeT) Department, more snowfall is likely in the higher reaches of Kashmir over the next few days. Director MeT Mukhtar Ahmad, in an interview with Hindustan Times, said that a feeble western disturbance has caused the current weather activity. “There will be light snowfall in the higher reaches and rain in some plains till Wednesday morning,” he said.
Ahmad added that conditions are expected to improve after the brief spell of snow, with no major weather disturbances forecast across Jammu and Kashmir till November 17. Temperatures are set to drop further as winter tightens its grip on the region.
Caution Advised for Travellers
The MeT office has also advised commuters to exercise caution while travelling through higher mountain passes such as Zojila, Mughal Road, Sadhna Pass, and Sinthan Top due to the risk of slippery roads. Visibility is expected to decrease during late evenings and early mornings because of fog formation over the next few days.
Chilly Days Ahead
According to the Regional Meteorological Centre, Gulmarg’s minimum temperature dropped to -2°C on Tuesday, while the maximum stood at 10°C. The forecast for the next few days suggests mainly clear skies, with temperatures hovering between 0°C and 13°C.
