Archive · 22 Dec 2025
Chillai Kalan Begins with Snow in Kashmir
Chillai Kalan is a 40-day period of very cold weather in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
It started on December 21 and will end on January 31.
During this time, the region gets very cold, with temperatures dropping to extremely low levels.
Many areas, like Srinagar, Sonamarg, and Gulmarg, experienced rain and snow at the beginning of Chillai Kalan.
The famous Dal Lake in Srinagar also freezes during this period.
People are advised to take precautions against the cold and keep an eye on weather updates.
Despite the cold, boat rides and sightseeing continue, making the city look beautiful in the winter.
Snowfall disrupted air and road travel, with several flights cancelled and highways closed due to thick snow.
Gulmarg received more than five inches of snow, turning it into a winter wonderland.
Pulwama was the coldest location, with temperatures dropping to -3.2°C.
Chillai Kalan, a 40-day period of severe winter cold, began on December 21 in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
The region experienced rain and snow in areas like Srinagar, Anantnag, Sonamarg, Gulmarg, Kargil, Zanskar, and the Jammu region.
Temperatures in Srinagar dropped by -4°C from December 20, with dense fog reported over Dal Lake.
Snowfall disrupted air and road travel, with twelve flights cancelled and highways like the Srinagar–Ladakh highway and Mughal Road closed.
Authorities advised residents and visitors to take precautions against the cold and monitor weather updates, while boat rides and sightseeing continued in Srinagar.
- Who
- Residents and tourists in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh
- What
- Chillai Kalan, a 40-day period of severe winter cold with snowfall
- When
- Starts on December 21 and ends on January 31
- Where
- Kashmir Valley, including Srinagar, Anantnag, Sonamarg, Gulmarg, Kargil, Zanskar, and the Jammu region
- Why
- To mark the beginning of the winter season with sub-zero temperatures and significant snowfall
- Start Date
- December 21
- End Date
- January 31
- Temperature Change in Srinagar
- -4°C from December 20
- Areas Affected
- Srinagar, Anantnag, Sonamarg, Ganderbal district, Gulmarg, Kargil, Zanskar, Jammu region, Pulwama
- Weather Conditions
- Rain, snow, dense fog, cold wave
- Precautions Advised
- Take precautions against the cold and monitor weather updates
- Snowfall in Gulmarg
- More than five inches
- Flights Cancelled
- Twelve flights between Srinagar and various cities, four flights between Jammu and Srinagar/New Delhi
- Coldest Location
- Pulwama at -3.2°C
Sources
Chillai Kalan starts with rainfall and snow in Kashmir Valley
Mesmerising view, visual treat! Stunning photos capture snowfall in Jammu & Kashmir
First snowfall ends prolonged dry spell in J&K and Ladakh as Chillai Kalan begins
Chillai Kalan begins with season’s first snowfall, breaking Kashmir’s long dry spell
Snowfall, rain, fog: North India shivers, mercury plunges -1.5 degrees in Sonmarg
As Chillai Kalan turns Kashmir white, breathtaking videos of snow-laden Gulmarg emerge: Watch the best clips here
Gulmarg receives season’s first snowfall as Kashmir enters harshest winter days
Fresh Snowfall Turns Gulmarg Into Winter Wonderland, Temperature Drops Across Valley | Video
Snow brings flakes of joy to J&K — top 4 places to visit to enjoy picturesque winter ambience
Kashmiris await rain and snow as 40-day long 'Chillai Kalan' begins tomorrow
