Fresh snowfall blankets Zojila Pass and Drass; sharp chill hits Kashmir and Ladakh

Fresh snowfall blankets higher reaches of Kashmir and Ladakh, with the season’s first notable snow in Drass transforming the landscape along the Srinagar–Kargil–Leh National Highway and bringing a sharper chill across the region.

Fresh snow fell in the early morning hours across upper reaches, including Zojila Pass, Sadhna Pass, Razdan Pass, the Gumri mountains, Drass, and Minamarg in Ladakh. The high-altitude stretches of the strategically important Srinagar–Kargil–Leh National Highway turned white, while light snow showers were also reported over the upper reaches of Gulmarg and the Pir Panjal range.

Reports described the snowfall in Drass and adjoining high areas as the season’s first moderate spell in that sector, altering the appearance of the Zoji La–Meenamarg stretch.

Precipitation remained largely confined to elevated zones rather than the Valley plains, yet it produced a noticeable drop in temperatures across Kashmir and Ladakh under generally cloudy skies.

Motorists travelling the Sonamarg–Zojila–Minamarg route have been advised to exercise caution.

Authorities recommend following real-time updates from traffic control rooms, carrying and using anti-skid snow chains on slippery sections, and maintaining safe speeds. Traffic on the broader Srinagar–Sonamarg–Gumri corridor continues under regulated time windows subject to weather and road-maintenance clearance, with anti-skid equipment strongly recommended.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) and local forecasts indicate generally cloudy conditions across Jammu and Kashmir over the next 24 hours, with the possibility of light rain or snowfall at isolated places. Brief spells of light rain, thunder, or snow over higher reaches were noted as possible into October 30, after which conditions are expected to turn drier for several days, with only isolated light precipitation possible later.

This latest spell forms part of the region’s gradual shift toward winter. Earlier in the season, particularly around mid-to-late October, higher reaches including Razdan Pass, Peer Ki Gali, Sinthan Top, Margan Top, Apharwat near Gulmarg, Baltal Sonamarg, Gurez, Tulail, and others had already received light to moderate snow. Those earlier events also pushed daytime temperatures several degrees below normal in parts of Kashmir and Jammu divisions and drew visitors to snow-covered spots such as Razdan Pass.

While the current snowfall has not disrupted the Valley floor to a major degree, the white blanket on the high passes and the accompanying chill underscore the approach of deeper winter conditions. Commuters, tourists, and residents in higher-altitude areas are being urged to stay updated on weather and traffic advisories as the season progresses.

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