Kashmir's First Snowfall: Beauty, Challenges, And Seasonal Hope

As winter begins to approach, Kashmir has welcomed its first snowfall, blanketing the upper reaches of the valley in a soft layer of white. This early snowfall brings with it an air of quiet beauty, signaling the start of a season that holds both promise and challenges for the people of this beautiful region. Beginning late Monday night, the snowfall continued intermittently through Tuesday morning, creating picturesque scenes across the popular tourist spots and remote villages alike.

Kashmir’s higher-altitude areas, including the scenic regions of Gulmarg and Sonmarg, as well as parts of Kupwara and Bandipora districts, were the first to experience the arrival of snow. For many, the sight of snow-laden mountains is a beautiful reminder of the changing seasons, and for others, it’s a reminder of the preparation and resilience required to endure the winter months.

Snowy Roads and Closed Highways: Impact on Connectivity and Daily Life

While snowfall creates breathtaking landscapes, it also brings with it the logistical challenges of winter. This time, the Srinagar-Leh National Highway, an essential route connecting Kashmir with the rest of the country, was temporarily closed due to snow accumulation. This highway serves as a lifeline for trade, tourism, and daily commutes for many residents. The Mughal Road, another crucial alternate route that connects the Kashmir Valley with the Jammu region, was also shut down because of the snow.

Authorities were quick to respond to these closures. The Border Roads Organization (BRO) mobilized teams to clear snow and restore road access. By morning, crews had managed to reopen the Srinagar-Leh highway for traffic. However, the Mughal Road and Sinthan Top, which links Bandipora with the remote Gurez sector, remain closed due to heavy snow. For many, this means restricted access to supplies, delayed travel, and in some cases, temporary isolation until roads can be clear.

Challenges for Local Residents and Authorities’ Preparations

For the people who live in Kashmir’s upper reaches, snowfall means more than beautiful views; it brings a long list of challenges. Many families begin stockpiling essentials well before the first snow arrives, knowing that heavy snowfall can make accessing markets difficult or even impossible for days. In remote areas, residents must plan for heating, food storage, and transportation, especially as deeper snow accumulates over the season.

Musa Ahmed Lone, a 25-26-year-old resident of a remote village in Kashmir, said, “During the snowfall, we face a lot of hardships here, and there are significant employment issues. So, we head to Delhi, where we run a food business for four to five months. We earn enough to sustain our households and then return home. In some parts of Kashmir, logistical problems arise due to the snowfall.”

Authorities play a crucial role in helping residents prepare for and manage winter hardships. Municipal and state government workers, alongside the BRO, work tirelessly to keep roads open, clear snow, and repair power lines. Schools and medical facilities have their own protocols to ensure safety and continued service, especially during unexpected weather changes. Mussa also added that “the army here is very helpful and helps us with their helicopters for emergency movements.” 

Weather Forecast: What Lies Ahead

The Meteorological Department has provided a forecast for the upcoming days, giving locals a better idea of what to expect. According to the department, the weather is expected to remain mostly dry until November 13. Following that, light rain and snow are likely to return to the higher altitudes on November 14-15, with a possibility of scattered snowfall in these areas through November 16. From November 17 to 23, the forecast predicts mostly dry weather, offering a break for those already contending with snowfall.

These forecasts help residents and tourists plan ahead. Local businesses prepare to adjust operations, and many families keep an eye on the forecast to decide when and how to complete their daily errands. This regular rhythm of planning and adapting is a fundamental part of life in Kashmir during the winter months.

Resilience and Preparations for Winter

Kashmir’s snowfall is a reminder of both its beauty and the resilience required to endure the winter. Locals have adapted to these annual snow events, with a strong focus on stocking essentials, securing their homes, and preparing for interruptions to transport and daily routines. In the high-altitude regions of Kashmir, wood has long been the material of choice for building homes, a tradition deeply rooted in both practicality and cultural heritage. Wood’s natural insulating properties make it ideal for trapping warmth, a vital feature in the region’s harsh winters, where temperatures often plunge to freezing levels. Additionally, wood’s flexibility provides resilience against earthquakes, a frequent threat in this seismic zone, reducing the risk of severe structural damage. Beyond functionality, these wooden homes also reflect a rich architectural heritage, with intricate carvings and “pinjrakari” latticework that showcase the skill of local artisans.

Boost to Winter Tourism

Snowfall in tourist areas is expected to give Kashmir’s winter tourism a strong start. Resorts in Gulmarg are preparing for an influx of winter sports enthusiasts, especially skiers, who flock to the region each year. As the snowfall increases, Gulmarg, with its well-developed slopes, becomes a major draw for international and domestic tourists alike. This snow is also likely to kick-start other winter events and activities that draw crowds from across India and beyond.

As Kashmir moves further into winter, each snowfall will add to the valley’s scenic charm and test the resilience of its people. From skiers in Gulmarg to families in remote villages, everyone in Kashmir prepares for the season in their own way, navigating the dual nature of winter in the valley: breathtakingly beautiful yet demanding. Kashmir’s winter is not just about weather; it’s a season that shapes life, culture, and the spirit of this storied region.