Gulmarg Turns White: Early Snowfall Charms Tourists, But Road Closures Hit NH-44 & Mughal Road

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Gulmarg Turns White: Early Snowfall Charms Tourists, But Road Closures Hit NH-44 & Mughal Road

Kashmir’s First Snowfall Closes Mughal Road, Rekindles Hope for Winter Tourism

By: Javid Amin | 07 October 2025

When Kashmir’s White Silence Speaks

Gulmarg has turned white — a clean, shimmering mantle of fresh snowfall that seems to whisper, winter has arrived. The first major snow thickened overnight, drawing tourists, photographers, and local excitement. But behind the beauty lies another story: Mughal Road is closed, and National Highway 44 (NH-44), the crucial Jammu–Srinagar artery, is marred by landslides and disruptions.

This article delves deep: the snow’s reach, the travel chaos, the economic pulse, and what it means for Kashmir’s winter that is just beginning.

Realities from the Ground: What Reporters & Officials Confirm

Before expanding narratives, it’s essential to anchor in verified facts:

  • Mughal Road closure has been confirmed due to heavy snowfall at Pir Ki Gali and adjoining high-altitude stretches.

  • Snow clearance operations have begun under BRO (Border Roads Organisation) to restore Mughal Road.

  • NH-44 (Jammu–Srinagar Highway) is suffering landslide-induced blockages and traffic stoppages, especially between Ramban–Banihal segments.

  • The highway was reported closed in several stretches due to shooting stones, mudslides and slush.

  • In some reports, the highway was still open in parts (alternate movement) under traffic control.

  • The snowfall is indeed widespread across Kashmir’s upper reaches, affecting Zojila, Pir Ki Gali, and Mughal passes.

Thus, the summary’s claims align with multiple news sources. We will build on them, adding context, implications, and recommendations.

Also Road | Kashmir Tourism Revival: After Tulips, Gul-e-Dawood (Chrysanthemums) Keep the Valley Blooming into Autumn

Snowfall’s Sweep: From Gulmarg to Zojila

Where the Snow Fell Deepest

Gulmarg, Sonamarg, upper reaches of Shopian, Kupwara, and Gurez recorded fresh snowfall that blanketed slopes and meadows. In high-altitude passes like Pir Ki Gali (Pir Panjal, on Mughal Road) and Zojila, snow accumulation led authorities to close roads.

The not-so-distant plains — Srinagar, Anantnag, Budgam — experienced intermittent rain and sharp temperature drops under the same system.

Temperature Plunge

The Valley’s daytime highs plunged — in Srinagar, from about 22 °C to near 9 °C (or lower) by early morning. The chilling effect was felt widely, especially as cold winds carried the mountain chill into lower altitudes.

Road Realities: Mughal Road Closed, NH-44 Under Siege

Mughal Road: Historic Route, Current Closure

The Mughal Road, a scenic but high-altitude route connecting Shopian (Kashmir) to Poonch / Rajouri (Jammu side) over the Pir Panjal Pass / Peer Ki Gali, is closed due to heavy snow.

BRO teams have initiated snow clearance efforts. But high altitude, steep slopes, and layers of snow make it a slow battle.

Also Read | Why Gulmarg Reigns as India’s Best Winter Destination in 2025–26

NH-44: The Arterial Highway Under Strain

The Jammu–Srinagar National Highway (NH-44), the lifeline for Kashmir, is facing multiple disruptions:

  • Landslides and shooting stones between Ramban, Banihal, Udhampur sectors.

  • Mudslides and slush rendering segments impassable.

  • In some stretches, traffic is halted entirely, with vehicles stranded awaiting clearance.

  • Some reports still mention partial / alternate movement when conditions allow.

The outcome: travel delays, supply chain strain, uncertainty for tourists and locals alike.

Tourism Pulse: Snow Sparks Curiosity, Bookings Crawl

Gulmarg’s early whitening has stirred hope in tourism circles — but bookings haven’t yet kept pace.

Tourist Interest & Inquiries

Snow-viewing has become the talk of the Valley again. Operators report spikes in inquiries from honeymooners, photographers, and adventure seekers. The “snow came early” narrative is pushing curiosity.

Hotel Occupancy

Even with excitement, occupancy in areas like Gulmarg and Pahalgam is hovering at 40–50% in many resorts. Many bookings are short-term or uncertain, as travelers wait to see if roads hold open.

Ski & Adventure Prep

Ski operators are accelerating readiness — gear, slopes, guides — anticipating that once access stabilizes, they can launch early-season packages.

“The snow has arrived early. We’re adjusting packages and logistics to match the mood,” says tourism operator Javid Amin.

Still, conversion from inquiries to confirmed bookings is slow, held back by transport uncertainty and weather risk.

Also Read | Kashmir Tour Package from Mumbai 2025–26 | Unlock Paradise with Luxury Deals & Budget Offers

Local Life: Wardrobes Shift, Markets React

Snow changes more than scenery — it changes routine.

Temperature Shock & Wardrobe Response

With daytime temperatures plunging by approximately 13 °C, locals rushed to pull out their pherans, kangris, woolens, thermals, boots. Many had not expected to enter full winter mode yet.

Retail Upsurge

Retail shops in Srinagar, Anantnag, Baramulla, and other urban markets report:

  • Surge in demand for thermal clothing, snow boots, gloves

  • A mismatch in inventory — autumn collections stuck in storage while winter gear is scarce

  • Many vendors scrambling to restock ahead of peak demand

The shopping craze, while beneficial to some, also highlights supply chain stress in Kashmir’s retail ecosystem.

Agriculture & Livelihoods: Farming Faces Frost Risk

The early snow is a caution for Kashmir’s agricultural communities, especially apple, saffron, and vegetable growers.

Apple & Horticulture

In districts like Shopian, Kulgam, and Pulwama, apple harvesting may still be ongoing in higher orchards. Night frost risk could damage fruit, especially if unharvested.

Saffron & Bulb Crops

In Pampore and surrounding belts, saffron fields and bulbs are vulnerable to abrupt cold and frost. Protective measures — coverings, straw layers — become urgent.

Vegetable & Greenhouse Farming

Transitional crops and greenhouse setups may suffer damage unless insulated. Some farmers are scrambling to protect seedlings and produce.

Local agricultural extension services have begun issuing advisories on frost protection and crop safety.

Also Read | Top 10 Things to Do in Gulmarg – Skiing, Gondola, Snow Activities & More

Social Media vs. On-the-Ground Reality

The Instagram feed looks magical: snow-dusted chalets, silent pine slopes, glistening vistas. Hashtags like #GulmargSnowfall2025, #FirstSnowKashmir, and #WinterIsHere crawl into travel timelines.

But the ground truth is more nuanced:

  • Many COVID-era travel plans were cancelable; now travelers wait for road updates.

  • Some days, roads may open for a few hours only.

  • Infrastructure — hotels, transport, guides — is under stress with the sudden shift.

  • Ski gear rentals, heating systems, and services may not be fully operational yet.

Thus, buzz is high — but the real economic and operational shift is catching up.

Why This Snow Matters: More Than Just Aesthetics

Water & Hydrology

Snow acts as a vital reservoir, feeding glaciers and Himalayan streams. Early snow replenishes dry soil layers before peak winter melt cycles.

Tourism Season Kick-off

An early snow gives a head start to winter tourism campaigns, potentially stretching the season.

Testing Resilience

Roads, public services, infrastructure, and emergency systems are stress-tested under early winter onset.

Climate Signal

Frequent early snowfall points to shifting climate patterns and increased volatility — something climate scientists and planners monitor closely.

Also Read | Explore Kashmir in Autumn – Book Your Dream Tour with JKL Travels

Travel & Safety Guide

Here’s a user-friendly checklist and conditional guidance for travelers:

✅ Before You Travel

  • Check official traffic updates (Traffic Police, BRO, local news)

  • Ask hotels about road access and backup transportation

  • Prefer flexible bookings

  • Carry snow boots, layered clothes, and emergency supplies

  • Plan daytime travel — avoid night drives over passes

⚠️ On the Route

  • Travel only when roads are confirmed open

  • Use anti-skid chains

  • Maintain safe speed on icy / slushy patches

  • Avoid overtaking in mountainous sections

🏨 For Stays

  • Confirm heating, backup power, water, and hot water systems

  • Choose flexible check-in/check-out to cope with travel delays

🚜 Local Transfers

  • Rely on authorized local vehicles with experienced drivers

  • Avoid venturing into remote high-altitude zones alone

📡 Updates & Alerts

  • Stay tuned to IMD, traffic alert dashboards, local radio/TV

  • Follow real-time social updates from local tourism bodies

Also Read | Kashmir Is Ready 2025–26 – Safe, Warm & Waiting for You

Economic Snapshots & Challenges

Tourism

  • Inquiries high, but confirmed bookings lag

  • Hotels still running below capacity

  • Operators offering last-minute, short-stay snow packages

Retail

  • Winter gear sells quickly; autumn gear stagnates

  • Cold demand rush compresses restock timelines

Transport & Supply

  • NH-44 disruption affects supply of essentials

  • Local transport in hills may be cut off temporarily

  • Cost of logistics may rise (fuel, maintenance, detours)

Agricultural Stress

  • Fruit & crops at frost risk

  • Need for emergency labor and crop protection

Also Read | Dal Lake Shikara Ride – Complete Traveler’s Guide 2025

Stakeholders’ Action Map: What Must Happen Now

✅ Government & State Authorities

  • Fast-track road clearing — BRO, NHAI, traffic agencies

  • Real-time road advisory dashboard (mobile/website)

  • Subsidies/support for remote farmers during cold snaps

🚕 Tourism Boards & Operators

  • Launch “First Snow” targeted packages

  • Coordinate with transport, hotels, guides for seamless connectivity

  • Use digital marketing to convert social buzz into bookings

🏬 Retail & Local Businesses

  • Fast-turn inventory towards winter gear

  • Pool with suppliers to bypass stock delays

  • Offer combinations (gear + snow drive) to attract local tourists

👩‍🌾 Farming & Local Communities

  • Distribute frost protection kits

  • Emergency harvesting support

  • Agricultural extension and weather adaptation training

Voices from Kashmir

“We always wait for snow in late October, but this surprised us. Boots sold in hours, but some orchards are still unharvested.”
— Shopkeeper, Srinagar

“Tourists love the snow visuals, but they ask: is the road safe? Is the hotel heated? We’re juggling many moving parts.”
— Hotel Manager, Gulmarg

“BRO is working overnight on Mughal Road. But they’ll open only when it’s safe — not just cleared.”
— Road operations official

Also Read | Destination Weddings in Kashmir 2025-2026: Plan Your Dream Wedding in Paradise with JKL Travels

Climate Perspective & Long-Term Lens

The Himalayan region is increasingly experiencing weather extremes — erratic snow, late thawing, sudden cold spikes. These changes demand:

  • Local climate monitoring

  • Adaptive tourism planning

  • Winter-resilient infrastructure

  • Agri-insurance and risk mitigation for farmers

If Kashmir can adapt nimbly, early snow need not be a disruption — but an opportunity.

Final Take: Charm, Challenge & Choices

Gulmarg’s new snow veneer is not just a visual delight — it’s a test. It demands that infrastructure, tourism, farming and governance step into winter prematurely.

While Mughal Road is shut and NH-44 is struggling, the snow has spoken: the Valley’s winter chapter is early, uncertain and full of possibility. Whether Kashmir rides this early start to a strong winter or stumbles in logistics will be the story of 2025.

The snow is here. The challenge is turning it into sustainable warmth.

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