Srinagar, Dec 30: Gulmarg, the crown jewel of Kashmir resorts, received fresh snowfall, turning it into a winter wonderland and drawing tourists eager to welcome the New Year amid snow-laden landscapes.
A weak Western Disturbance affected Jammu and Kashmir, bringing rain and snow to parts of north Kashmir. Upper reaches, including Gulmarg, Sadhna Top, Machil, Tulail, and Gurez, received light to moderate snowfall, officials said.
Amidst a fresh spell of snowfall, Gulmarg saw a surge of tourists eager to enjoy the fresh snow and celebrate the New Year.
Visitors described the resort’s snow-covered slopes and pine-clad landscapes as surreal.
“It was a heavenly feeling to be here,” said a tourist from Delhi, enjoying the snow-covered slopes of Gulmarg.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had said the weather on Tuesday would remain mostly cloudy, with chances of light rain or snow in several areas by evening.
However, between December 31 and January 1, light precipitation is expected across most places, while moderate snowfall is forecast in some higher-altitude parts of north and central Kashmir.
Snowfall is likely to be heavier along the Zojila-Drass corridor and the Siachen region, with light to moderate snow also expected in parts of Kargil, Zanskar, and the higher elevations of Leh district.
Authorities suspended traffic on several key routes, including the Srinagar-Leh National Highway, Sinthan Pass in Anantnag, Margan Pass linking Kashmir with Kishtwar in Chenab Valley, and the Mughal Road connecting south Kashmir’s Shopian district with Rajouri and Poonch districts of Pir Panjal region.
The Sub-Divisional Magistrate of Gulmarg also issued a traffic advisory for the Tangmarg-Gulmarg road, warning of slippery and hazardous conditions due to the snowfall forecast.
The officials said that the measures aim to protect public safety and ensure smooth traffic flow amid adverse weather.
According to the advisory, all vehicles plying on the Tangmarg-Gulmarg stretch are required to use anti-skid chains during snowfall and icy conditions.
The order also imposes a complete ban on heavy vehicles on the road until further notice.
On Tuesday, temperatures across Kashmir hovered near the freezing point, with several locations recording sub-zero minimums.
Gulmarg was the coldest at minus 1.6 degrees Celsius, followed by Pahalgam at minus 1.2 degrees Celsius, and Pulwama at minus 1.1 degrees Celsius.
Srinagar recorded 1 degree Celsius, while the Srinagar Airport logged 0.8 degrees Celsius.
Other areas reported near-freezing conditions, including Qazigund 1.4 degrees Celsius, Kokernag 1.8 degrees Celsius, Ganderbal 1.8 degrees Celsius, Bandipora 1.1 degrees Celsius, Budgam 1.2 degrees Celsius, Baramulla 2.1 degrees Celsius, Kupwara 2 degrees Celsius, Pampore 2 degrees Celsius, Anantnag 0.8 degrees Celsius, Shopian 0.2 degrees Celsius, Awantipora 1 degree Celsius, and Sonamarg 0.4 degrees Celsius.
Tourism stakeholders said hotel bookings in Gulmarg surged ahead of the New Year, with many properties nearing full occupancy as visitors flock to enjoy the snow.