Srinagar – Just when you thought the Valley was done with its winter wardrobe, Kashmir has delivered a magical, snowy curveball. In a delightful twist of weather that has left tourists both scrambling and ecstatic, the upper reaches of Kashmir, including the famed resorts of Gulmarg, Sonamarg, and Pahalgam, have been draped in a fresh, pristine blanket of white.
A Winter Wonderland in May
Picture this: You’ve packed for a pleasant May holiday in Kashmir, dreaming of lush green meadows and vibrant tulip gardens. You land, and suddenly, you’re in the middle of a scene from a December postcard. That’s the reality for thousands of tourists greeted by an unexpected, yet breathtaking, snowfall over the past 48 hours.
“We packed light jackets and shawls!” laughed Anjali Sharma, a tourist from Mumbai holidaying with her family in Gulmarg. “We came for the spring blossoms but got a winter wonderland as a bonus. The kids have never seen snow before, so this is an absolute dream come true. We had to rush to the local market to buy sweaters and gloves, but it’s worth every penny.”
Anjali’s sentiment is being echoed across the tourist hotspots. The iconic Gulmarg Gondola is now ferrying visitors up to snow-covered peaks that look more like mid-January than late May. Families are engaged in gleeful snowball fights, and local vendors selling hot kahwa and roasted corn are doing brisk business.
What Caused the Sudden Weather Change?
According to the local Meteorological Department (MeT), the sudden dip in temperature was caused by a Western Disturbance. While Srinagar experienced chilly rains, the higher altitudes received several inches of snow, transforming the green spring landscape into a mesmerising white canvas.
The surprise weather has also brought minor disruptions. The strategic Srinagar-Leh highway saw a temporary suspension of traffic at Zoji La pass due to the slippery conditions. Authorities are working round the clock to ensure the routes remain safe and accessible.
A Boon for Locals and a Unique Tourist Experience
For many locals, this late-season snowfall is a blessing.
“This gives tourists a unique experience,” said Feroz Ahmed, a pony-wallah in Pahalgam. “They get to see both the green valleys and the snowy mountains in a single trip. The demand for pony rides up to the snow points has shot up.”
Furthermore, the snowfall is expected to replenish the glaciers and water sources, which is crucial for the summer months, benefiting both agriculture and the drinking water supply in the region.
What to Pack: An Advisory for Travellers
For anyone planning a trip to the ‘Paradise on Earth’ in the coming days, the advice is clear: pack in layers! While the sun might be shining in the plains, the mountains are currently hosting a spectacular winter encore. Your itinerary might have said spring, but Kashmir’s weather is writing its own beautiful, unpredictable script. Don’t forget that extra sweater; you might just get to experience two seasons for the price of one.
