Gulmarg Welcomes Season’s First Snowfall of 2025–26, Thrilling Tourists and Signalling Early Winter in Kashmir
The picturesque ski resort of Gulmarg in Jammu and Kashmir woke up to a wintry spectacle on Friday morning as light snowfall dusted its upper reaches overnight, marking the season’s first snow of 2025-2026. The unexpected early winter gift has thrilled tourists and locals alike, while signaling the onset of colder weather across the Kashmir Valley.
The snowfall, which began late Thursday evening and continued into Friday, primarily affected elevations above 2,650 meters, including the iconic Affarwat Peak (3,979 meters) and Sunshine areas. Lower regions of the valley experienced intermittent rain but remained largely dry. Nearby high-altitude destinations like Sonamarg and Gurez Valley also reported fresh snow on their peaks.
Chilly Temperatures and Tourist Delight
Temperatures plummeted across the region, with Gulmarg recording a low of -1°C and Srinagar dipping to 8°C. Eyewitnesses described the scene as “magical,” with social media platforms flooded by photographs and videos of snow-capped meadows transforming the “Meadow of Flowers” into a serene white canvas.
Local tour operator Rehana Begum shared with Grok News, “This early snow is a blessing for us. Tourists are already booking gondola rides to the upper reaches. It’s like nature’s invitation to winter adventures.”
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had forecasted light to moderate precipitation for higher reaches starting October 5-6, but the event arrived two days ahead of schedule. IMD Director Mukesh Srivastava confirmed, “This is an atypical early onset due to a western disturbance. More significant snowfall is expected from October 5-7, with accumulations of 2-2.5 feet over passes like Sinthan Top, Zojila, and Razdan Top.”
Implications for Tourism and Travel
Gulmarg, Asia’s highest ski destination and a tentative UNESCO World Heritage site, stands to benefit immensely from this prelude to the winter season. Full-fledged skiing typically begins in December, but the early snow has sparked optimism for an extended season. Adventure enthusiasts are flocking to the area for initial snow treks and photography.
However, authorities have issued travel advisories for high passes, warning of potential road blockages and urging motorists to check weather updates. The Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department advised visitors to “pack warm layers and monitor IMD alerts.”
Regional Weather Forecast
- October 5-7: Heavy snowfall in upper reaches; possible flurries in Pahalgam, Sonamarg, and Gulmarg.
- Post-October 7: Dry spell likely, with gradual temperature recovery.
- Long-term: Kashmir’s winter could see above-average precipitation, boosting water resources but challenging infrastructure.
This early snowfall underscores the unpredictable nature of Himalayan weather patterns, influenced by climate variability. As Gulmarg prepares for its peak tourist influx, the valley braces for a vibrant yet challenging winter ahead.
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