Fresh snowfall transforms Kashmir valley; avalanche and travel advisories issued

Fresh snowfall has blanketed the higher reaches of the Kashmir Valley, including Gulmarg, Sonamarg, and several mountain passes, while the plains experienced rain and cold conditions. Authorities have issued avalanche and travel advisories, with largely dry weather expected after February 12.

Fresh snowfall has covered the higher elevations of the Kashmir Valley over the past 48 hours, while most plains have received rainfall.

Authorities have issued avalanche and travel advisories in view of the fresh precipitation.

Snowfall over the last two days has been reported from upper reaches including major tourist destinations such as Gulmarg, Sonamarg, Doodhpathri, Tangmarg and Pahalgam. Areas like Gurez, Sadhna Pass, Dubjan–Herpora, Peer Ki Gali, and the Daksum–Sinthan Top also recorded substantial fresh accumulation.

Gulmarg, the premier ski resort, received around 23 cm of fresh snow. Large numbers of tourists were seen heading toward Kashmir’s tourist hotspots, particularly Gulmarg. Approximately 4.5 cm of fresh snowfall was recorded in Sonamarg and Pahalgam. Doodhpathri and Gurez each received about 30 cm of snow, while high-altitude passes including Zojila, Sinthan Pass and Sinthan Top recorded more than three feet of fresh accumulation.

Tourists continue to flock to Jammu and Kashmir to experience the snowfall, especially in Gulmarg and Sonamarg. Visitors were seen enjoying winter activities such as sledding, dancing, and playing in the snow as the fresh white cover transformed these destinations into scenic landscapes.