Kashmir snowfall has covered the higher reaches of the Valley, closing the Mughal Road and prompting officials to tell tourists to leave Gurez Valley before heavier snow arrives. Snow fell in Gurez, Gulmarg, Zojila Pass and other high-altitude areas on November 11, and more is forecast over the next three days.
Kashmir snowfall closes the Mughal Road
The Mughal Road closed at Pir Ki Gali after slippery conditions made travel hazardous. Snow also fell at Peer Ki Gali along the same road and across Gurez Valley, and other popular sites such as Pahalgam and Doodhpathri may see early snowfall. The Kashmir snowfall could spread to Shopian, Kulgam, Kupwara, Bandipora and adjoining areas as the weather system moves through the region.
The Meteorological Centre in Srinagar said light snowfall was reported in Bandipora, Sonamarg, Kangdori in Gulmarg, Gumri, Minamarg and Drass, while light rain fell on some plains on Wednesday. The centre has forecast light to moderate rain in the plains and light to moderate snowfall in the higher reaches at many places on November 12 and 13, with moderate to heavy snowfall likely over the higher reaches of Kupwara and Bandipora. The Kashmir snowfall reported on Wednesday was light, but the forecast points to heavier falls in the days ahead.
The snow comes as winter sets in across the higher reaches. Gulmarg and Sonamarg could see the season’s first significant snow in the coming days, and Pahalgam and Doodhpathri may also see early snowfall. Snowfall could spread to Shopian, Kulgam, Kupwara, Bandipora and adjoining areas as the system moves through the region, and the weather office has warned of a significant fall of 6 to 8 degrees Celsius in daytime temperatures during November 12 and 13.
Gurez declared out of bounds for tourists
Bandipora Police issued a travel advisory telling tourists in Gurez Valley to leave by November 10, in view of a forecast of heavy snowfall from November 11 and the possibility of road blockages that could leave visitors stranded. The advisory urged tourists to plan their departure immediately and to avoid fresh journeys to Gurez. Gurez, in Bandipora district, is one of the most remote valleys in Kashmir, and its road link passes over the high Razdan Pass, which is among the first routes to be affected when heavy snow arrives. The Kashmir snowfall forecast was the reason for the warning, and police said the valley could be cut off from other areas if the roads closed.
The Bandipora district administration has since declared Gurez out of bounds for tourists in view of the Kashmir snowfall and advised those still staying there to plan their departure immediately in consultation with the District Control Room. The public has been urged to avoid unnecessary travel towards Gurez and the higher reaches and to refrain from social gatherings in such areas. The advisory also covers travellers, examination aspirants and the general public, and the District Control Room can be reached on 7006526985, 7006630771 and 7006328689.
Kashmir snowfall forecast for November 12 to 14
A Western Disturbance will sweep Jammu and Kashmir from November 12 to 14, bringing widespread rainfall in the plains and moderate to heavy snowfall at higher elevations. Day temperatures are expected to fall by 6 to 8 degrees Celsius on November 12 and 13, with thunderstorms and gusty winds possible in some places. Gulmarg and Sonamarg could see the season’s first significant snow, and heavy snowfall is forecast for the higher reaches of Kupwara and Bandipora districts on November 12 and 13. The Kashmir snowfall forecast covers most of the Valley’s higher reaches over the three days.
What travellers should do now
Candidates scheduled for an examination on November 15 have been advised to reach their centres before the weather worsens. The Bandipora advisory also names Finance Accounts Assistant examination aspirants, expectant mothers and patients who need regular medical care, and urges them to plan their movements in line with the warning. Tourists who had planned trips to Gurez have been asked to put them off until the Kashmir snowfall eases and the road link is restored. The Bandipora Police helpline for tourists in Gurez Valley is 01957-225322.