Himachal Pradesh And Kashmir Snowfall Tourist

The effects of cold were clearly visible in Himachal Pradesh on Sunday. Snow fell in the higher elevations of the state, while the weather remained overcast in the middle and lower hills. Snow fell in parts of Lahaul-Spiti district, including Shinku La, Rohtang Pass, some areas of the Udaipur subdivision, and some locations in the neighboring Pangi Valley of Chamba district. Light snowfall was also recorded in the Atal Tunnel area late Sunday afternoon.

Despite the light snowfall, tourists were quite enthusiastic. A large number of people reached Shinku La Top, located at an altitude of about 5,000 meters and being developed as a new snow tourist destination. However, keeping the safety of tourists in mind, the administration closed the road to Shinku La in the morning. However, on the demand of local residents, 4×4 vehicles were allowed to travel to Zanskar Sumdo, located below the mountain pass. Let’s find out where else is snowfall.

According to a report published in TOI, local resident and tour operator Saim Bodh said, “Hundreds of tourists reached Zanskar Sumdo today and witnessed the snowfall. Tourists had been waiting for snow to fall for several days. We thank the administration for allowing tourists to visit Zanskar Sumdo despite the Shinku La top being closed.”
A large number of tourists also headed towards Rohtang Pass. Rohtang Pass is open for traffic from the Manali side until December 28, but only 4×4 vehicles are allowed. Meanwhile, the road beyond Gramphu from the Lahaul-Spiti side was closed on Sunday due to snowfall.

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This is the temperature in Manali and Dharamshala

In terms of tourist destinations, the minimum temperature was 6.7 degrees Celsius in Manali, 8.2 degrees Celsius in Dharamshala, 8.5 degrees Celsius in Palampur, 8.6 degrees Celsius in Kufri, and 11 degrees Celsius in Shimla. Dense fog enveloped some areas of Bilaspur and Mandi districts, making the cold even more intense. According to the Meteorological Department, dense fog may persist in the morning and evening in these two districts.

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Snowfall is also being witnessed in Kashmir.

The higher reaches of Kashmir received the season’s first snowfall, while the plains of the valley received rain. This marked the beginning of a 40-day period of intense cold in Kashmir, known locally as “Chillai Kalan.” The season’s first snowfall and rain brought relief to those suffering from chest ailments. The air has cleared, and the dust that had accumulated in cities and towns has settled.
Today, the Gulmarg ski resort and Sonamarg hill station also recorded the season’s first snowfall. People were initially concerned that the lack of snow might dampen Christmas and New Year celebrations. However, the snowfall has now raised hopes that a large number of tourists will flock to Gulmarg and other hill stations to welcome the New Year.

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Heavy snowfall in Chillai Kalan

Heavy snowfall during Chillai Kalan fills all the permanent water bodies in the higher reaches of Jammu and Kashmir. These water bodies feed the state’s rivers, streams, springs, and lakes during the summer months. Overnight cloud cover also led to a rise in night temperatures across the valley.
Srinagar city recorded a minimum temperature of 4 degrees Celsius for the first time this season. Gulmarg recorded a minimum temperature of minus 1.5 degrees Celsius, and Pahalgam recorded a minimum temperature of 2.8 degrees Celsius. Jammu city recorded a minimum temperature of 11.5 degrees Celsius, Katra 11.6 degrees Celsius, Batote 7.6 degrees Celsius, Banihal 6 degrees Celsius, and Bhaderwah 5.8 degrees Celsius.

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People are expecting more snowfall now.

Traffic on the Srinagar-Leh National Highway has been halted due to snowfall in the Zojila Pass area. Traffic has also been closed at Sadna Top in Kupwara district, Razdan Pass in Bandipora district, and Sinthan Pass in Anantnag district. Following the snowfall in the higher reaches, people are hoping for more snow, which is considered essential to replenish water sources before the upcoming summer.