Archive · 17 Jan 2026
Snowfall Begins in Kashmir and Himachal
It has started snowing in the high parts of the Kashmir Valley, like Gulmarg and Sonamarg, and also in some areas of Himachal Pradesh, like Hansa and Keylong.
The weather people said more snow is coming, especially from January 19.
This is happening because it's the coldest part of winter there, called Chillai Kalan.
Places like Pahalgam and some mountain roads will also get snow.
This makes it a good time for winter tourism, like skiing in Gulmarg.
The weather office has also warned about heavy snowfall in some places on January 23.
Fresh snowfall has started in Gulmarg, Sonamarg, and other higher reaches of the Kashmir Valley and Himachal Pradesh.
The Meteorological Department forecasted snowfall to intensify from January 19, affecting multiple locations across Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh.
Snowfall is expected in areas like Razdan Top, Gurez, Tulail Valley, Sonamarg-Drass axis, Pahalgam, and the Pir Panjal range in Kashmir, and Hansa, Keylong, Kukumseri, and Gondhla in Himachal Pradesh.
The Kashmir Valley is currently experiencing Chillai Kalan, the coldest phase of winter.
The snowfall is enhancing winter tourism prospects, particularly in the ski resort of Gulmarg, and the Met office has issued a yellow alert for heavy snowfall in isolated places on January 23.
- Who
- Residents and tourists in the Kashmir Valley and Himachal Pradesh
- What
- Fresh snowfall in higher reaches
- When
- Started on Friday, expected to intensify from January 19
- Where
- Gulmarg, Sonamarg, and other higher reaches of the Kashmir Valley and Himachal Pradesh
- Why
- Due to winter weather patterns and Chillai Kalan season
- Locations
- Gulmarg, Sonamarg, Razdan Top, Gurez, Tulail Valley, Sonamarg-Drass axis, Pahalgam, Chandanwari, Aru Valley, Pir Panjal range, Mughal Road, Sinthan Top, Margan Top, Hansa, Keylong, Kukumseri, Gondhla
- Forecast Period
- January 19 onwards
- Weather Condition
- Fresh snowfall
- Affected Areas
- Higher reaches of Kashmir Valley and Himachal Pradesh
- Current Season
- Chillai Kalan (40-day coldest winter phase)
- Alert Level
- Yellow alert for heavy snowfall in isolated places
