Kashmir Wardrobes Skip a Season: Early Snowfall Cheers Gulmarg, But Bookings Stay Low

Kashmir Wardrobes Skip a Season: Early Snowfall Cheers Gulmarg, But Bookings Stay Low

By : Javid Amin | October 6, 2025 | Srinagar

A Valley Between Seasons

Kashmir’s fashion and tourism calendars have collided head-on. In what locals are calling a “skip-season surprise,” the Valley jumped straight from golden autumn to frosty winter overnight, as fresh snowfall blanketed Gulmarg, Sonamarg, and Gurez on October 6.

The early snow—usually expected in late October or November—brought postcard-perfect scenes and viral videos across social media. But behind the frosty charm lies a chill of another kind: low tourist bookings, unsold autumn stock, and uncertain business sentiment.

Snowfall Snapshot

• First Major Snowfall: October 6, 2025

• Affected Regions: Gulmarg, Sonamarg, Gurez, and upper reaches of Shopian & Kupwara

• Temperature Drop: 13°C across the Valley

• Forecast: More rain and snow likely till October 8

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the snowfall was triggered by a strong western disturbance, marking one of the earliest winter onsets in the last decade.

Wardrobe Whiplash: Autumn Skipped, Winter Rushed

Across Kashmir, locals and visitors are digging out pherans and woollens weeks earlier than usual. The Valley’s distinctive autumn fashion—a blend of shawls, light jackets, and pastel layers—has been abruptly replaced by boots, gloves, and thermal wear.

“We stocked light jackets and shawls for October. Now customers want snow boots and thermal wear,” said Rafiq Ahmed, a shopkeeper in Srinagar’s Lal Chowk.

Retailers across Srinagar, Baramulla, and Anantnag reported a mismatch between supply and demand — warehouses filled with autumn apparel, but customers rushing for winter gear.

Local markets saw:

• 📉 30% drop in shawl sales since early October

• 🧤 60% increase in thermal wear demand

• 👢 Rapid sellouts of snow boots in Gulmarg

Fashion boutiques and Kashmiri craft shops, usually buzzing with pre-winter shoppers, now face logistical chaos — a skipped season means skipped sales.

Tourism Trends: Snow Without Surge

Gulmarg’s slopes are glistening, but the hotels around them are not. Despite stunning visuals circulating online, occupancy rates remain around 35–40%, far lower than what early snowfall typically brings.

Travel operators say the snow came too soon — before winter campaigns launched and before road logistics stabilized.

“We’re getting inquiries, but conversions are slow. People are unsure if it’s safe or worth the rush,” said Javid Amin, founder of JKL Travels.

Amin added that high airfare and confusion over accessibility are deterring spontaneous travelers. Most potential tourists, he said, are now pushing plans to November or December once connectivity improves.

Why the Slow Surge?

• ❌ Delayed winter promotions — Tourism boards yet to roll out official “Snow Season” drives.

• 🛣️ Road concerns — Intermittent closures on Mughal Road and Zojila Pass due to snow.

• 💰 Price pressure — Rising flight and hotel rates deter budget travelers.

• 📆 Timing mismatch — Tourists weren’t expecting snow this early in October.

Tour guides in Pahalgam and Sonamarg say weekend inquiries are up, but confirmed bookings lag behind. Adventure operators who planned for autumn treks are now canceling or rescheduling expeditions.

Social Media vs Reality

On Instagram and X (formerly Twitter), Gulmarg looks magical. Reels of snowfall-draped chalets and cable cars gliding through mist have gone viral. Hashtags like #GulmargSnowfall and #WinterInKashmir are trending across travel feeds.

But the ground reality tells a quieter story.

Hotels in Tangmarg and Gulmarg report modest occupancy, with several ski rental shops still closed for pre-season maintenance.

“It’s beautiful, but we need bookings, not just buzz,” said Imtiyaz Lone, a resort manager in Tangmarg. “Social media helps with visibility, but right now, it’s mostly locals posting.”

While influencers post reels wrapped in pherans, hotel staff say most visitors are weekenders from Srinagar, not long-stay tourists from other states.

Retail & Market Impact: Sales Freeze Before Frost

The early winter shock has rippled through Kashmir’s retail economy — especially for traders who depend on seasonal predictability.

Textile wholesalers in Nowhatta and Maisuma reported that their autumn consignments are now stuck in inventory limbo.

“We just stocked autumn collections — pashmina shawls, embroidered jackets, and wool blends,” said Sajad Mir, a Srinagar wholesaler. “Now everyone wants heavier woollens we haven’t even unpacked yet.”

In Gulmarg and Pahalgam, rental shops for ski gear and winter clothing are scrambling to open ahead of schedule. Supply delays from Delhi and Ludhiana have left vendors short on stock.

Meanwhile, Srinagar’s famed Bund market saw a surge in customers buying snow boots, gloves, and heaters — items typically sought in late November.

Connectivity & Travel Advisory

Authorities have urged travelers to monitor road conditions closely.

• Mughal Road: Closed intermittently at Pir Ki Gali due to fresh snow accumulation.

• Srinagar–Leh Highway: Blocked at Zojila; only essential convoys allowed.

• Kupwara–Tangdhar Road: Open with restrictions; snow clearance ongoing.

Flight operations from Srinagar International Airport remain mostly on schedule, though airlines have issued weather advisories for passengers traveling through October 8.

“The snow is picturesque, but the roads are tricky,” said a traffic official. “Travelers must plan smart — daytime journeys only.”

Tourism Board Response

The Jammu & Kashmir Tourism Department acknowledged the dip in bookings but maintained optimism.

Officials said that early snowfall will help extend the winter tourism season, provided the weather stabilizes. New campaigns focusing on “Autumn Snow Experiences” are expected to launch soon.

“This is nature’s gift — an early start to the winter story,” said a senior tourism officer. “Our goal is to convert curiosity into travel.”

Industry experts suggest that coordinated marketing between local tour operators, hoteliers, and state agencies could transform this rare weather event into a sustainable tourism push.

Cultural Pulse: Between Chill and Charm

In Kashmir, the first snow always carries symbolism — a shift in rhythm, mood, and memory.

Locals see it as the moment when the “Valley slows down to breathe.” Cafés in Srinagar are already serving hot noon chai and kehwa, while pherans reappear in every household.

“It’s too early, but the snow brings peace,” smiled Mehreen, a student from Baramulla. “Even if travel slows, the beauty doesn’t.”

Photographers and content creators have flocked to Gulmarg and Sonamarg, documenting what they call “autumn’s vanishing act.” The chinars — still golden with leaves — now stand under white roofs of snow, creating surreal contrast across the Valley.

Tourism Snapshot (October 2025)

Expert Take

According to climate analysts, this early snowfall reflects increasing volatility in Himalayan weather systems.

“We’re seeing seasonal overlap — warmer Septembers, colder Octobers,” said an IMD climatologist. “The transition periods are shrinking, making local economies more vulnerable.”

Economists note that while Kashmir’s tourism and fashion sectors are agile, they depend heavily on timing predictability — something the changing climate is steadily eroding.

Final Word

Kashmir’s early snowfall has delivered postcard beauty and poetic calm — but not the economic warmth locals hoped for.

As Gulmarg glistens under an early winter sun, the Valley finds itself between two seasons — autumn skipped, winter rushed, business confused.

For now, pherans are out, boots are selling fast, and Instagram is buzzing. But the real question remains:
Will the snow translate into sustained footfall and sales, or melt away as another fleeting trend?

Because in Kashmir this year, winter came early — but the tourists didn’t.