SRINAGAR, SEPTEMBER 17, 2026 ; The higher reaches of Gulmarg and Gurez received the season’s first snowfall on Thursday, with fresh snow covering parts of the upper Kashmir valley while rain lashed the plains, officials said.
The early snowfall transformed several high-altitude areas into a white landscape, adding to the scenic appeal of Kashmir’s popular mountain destinations.
Snowfall Recorded in Upper Gulmarg
The upper reaches of the famous ski resort of Gulmarg in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district experienced snowfall during the night.
Officials said snowfall was recorded around Gondola Phase 2 and the Apharwat area, where a thin layer of fresh snow covered the higher slopes.
The snowfall comes ahead of the winter tourism season and added to the picturesque surroundings of the popular ski destination.
Gurez and Tulail Also Turn White
Snowfall was also reported from the frontier Gurez sector of north Kashmir’s Bandipora district.
Officials said Tulail Valley and Kabuli Gali received the season’s first snowfall, with the higher-altitude areas witnessing a noticeable change in weather conditions.
Light snowfall was also reported from some other high-altitude areas of Jammu and Kashmir.
Rain Lashes Kashmir Plains
While the higher reaches experienced snowfall, the plains of the Kashmir Valley were lashed by overnight rain.
Rain was reported in several areas, including Srinagar, bringing a marked change in weather conditions across the region.
The combination of rain in the plains and snowfall in the higher reaches resulted in a sharp winter-like spell in the mountainous areas.
Weather Expected to Improve
The Meteorological Department has forecast fairly widespread light rain or thunderstorms over Jammu and Kashmir.
However, weather conditions are expected to improve, with the department forecasting mainly dry weather over the next few days from Friday.
The first snowfall of the season in Gulmarg and Gurez has nevertheless marked the arrival of an early winter-like spell in Kashmir’s higher reaches, with the snow-covered landscapes adding a fresh seasonal charm to the region.
