Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand Receive First Snowfall of the Season: Stunning Visuals Surface, Experts Warn of Extreme Winter Ahead

The Himalayan belt of Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand has turned into a winter wonderland with the first snowfall of the season arriving earlier than expected. From the holy shrines of Kedarnath and Badrinath in Uttarakhand, to the slopes of Gulmarg and Sonamarg in Kashmir, and the icy passes of Rohtang and Lahaul-Spiti in Himachal Pradesh, the mountains are now draped in snow.

While the snow has brought cheer to tourists and locals alike, weather experts warn that, much like this year’s record-breaking monsoon, the upcoming winter season may also set new extremes in terms of snowfall, temperature drops, and duration.

This article takes you through the latest updates, stunning visuals, ground-level impacts, and why this winter may turn out to be one of the most extreme in India’s recent history.

First Snowfall in Kashmir: Gulmarg, Sonamarg, and Sinthan Top Turn White

A Scenic Beginning in the Valley

Kashmir, known as “Paradise on Earth,” witnessed its higher reaches covered in a white blanket earlier this week. Tourist hotspots like Gulmarg, Sonamarg, and Pahalgam woke up to fresh snow, attracting early visitors.

• Gulmarg’s Affarwat slopes recorded fresh snow, hinting at a promising ski season ahead.
• Sinthan Top in Anantnag district received several inches of snow, turning the mountain pass into a surreal landscape.
• The Zojila Pass connecting Srinagar to Leh also witnessed snowfall, disrupting vehicular movement.

Authorities Take Precautionary Measures

Due to snow and rains in the plains, the Jammu administration closed schools in multiple districts until October 7. Farmers were also advised to suspend agricultural activities temporarily to avoid crop damage.

Temperature Drops Sharply

After the snowfall, Srinagar recorded 9.8°C while areas like Gulmarg dipped below freezing. The chill is already being felt across the Valley, signaling an early start to the winter season.

Himachal Pradesh Turns Icy: Rohtang, Lahaul-Spiti, and Dhauladhar Witness Snow

Rohtang and Dhauladhar Range Receive Fresh Snow

In Himachal Pradesh, the popular Rohtang Pass and the mighty Dhauladhar range reported the season’s first snowfall. The slopes of Kangra district glistened white, bringing relief to tourists but challenges for travelers.

• Vehicular traffic to Rohtang Pass was suspended due to slippery roads.
• The Dhauladhar mountains near Dharamshala and Palampur wore a new coat of snow, visible from the lower valleys.

Heavy Snow in Lahaul-Spiti

Snowfall was heavier in Lahaul-Spiti, where several areas received more than 30 cm of snow:

• Gondhla reported 30 cm.
• Keylong, the district headquarters, received around 15 cm.
• Kukumseri recorded –2.5°C, making it the coldest in the state during this spell.

Rainfall Adds to Chill in Lower Hills

While higher reaches were blanketed in snow, lower hills like Solan, Kangra, and Naina Devi received heavy rainfall. Naina Devi recorded 132.6 mm, Solan 119.6 mm, and Pachhad nearly 78 mm of rain.

This combination of snow in the mountains and rain in the valleys has triggered the risk of landslides and power outages in multiple regions.

Uttarakhand: Sacred Shrines Welcome Snowfall

Snowfall in Kedarnath and Badrinath

The first snowfall in Uttarakhand turned into a spiritual spectacle as the holy towns of Kedarnath and Badrinath received fresh snow on October 6. Pilgrims and priests shared visuals of snow-draped temples surrounded by white peaks, creating a breathtaking scene.

• Kedarnath Dham received moderate snowfall that blanketed the shrine and surrounding mountains.
• Badrinath also saw light snow showers, with an orange alert issued by the IMD.

Hemkund Sahib and Chamoli Districts Affected

Other high-altitude regions like Hemkund Sahib, Rudraprayag, and Chamoli also witnessed snowfall. The sudden weather change dropped temperatures sharply in Dehradun and other plains, leaving residents shivering earlier than expected.

Why So Early? Meteorological Explanation

Western Disturbances Bring Early Snow

The main reason behind this early snowfall is the arrival of Western Disturbances — weather systems originating from the Mediterranean region that bring rain and snow to northwestern India.

Usually, snowfall begins in late October or November, but this year the disturbance arrived early in the first week of October, causing widespread snow and rain.

Rapid Cooling and Negative Temperatures

Many regions in Himachal Pradesh and Kashmir reported sub-zero temperatures, allowing precipitation to fall as snow instead of rain. The sudden temperature dip has surprised locals who were still adjusting to autumn weather.

La Niña Effect Looming

Global weather agencies predict the arrival of La Niña between October and December. This climate phenomenon is known to intensify cold winters in India. Experts believe this could be a major factor in making the upcoming winter longer, colder, and snowier than usual.

Visuals That Captivated India

Kashmir: Snow-Capped Pines and Meadows

Social media is flooded with images of Pahalgam and Sonamarg covered in fresh snow. Tourists shared videos of pine forests and meadows wrapped in a delicate white sheet, creating postcard-like scenes.

Himachal: Rohtang and Dhauladhar in White

From Dharamshala, residents captured Dhauladhar peaks glistening in snow. Meanwhile, Rohtang’s icy roads reminded travelers of winter’s harsh realities.

Uttarakhand: Temples Amid Snow

The most breathtaking visuals came from Kedarnath and Badrinath, where temples stood against the backdrop of freshly snow-capped mountains. Pilgrims described the sight as “divine and surreal.”