Winter Comes Early: Gulmarg and Himachal Wake Up to First Snowfall

If you’ve been dreaming of hot chocolate, woollen scarves, and snow-dusted selfies — good news: winter has shown up early in the Himalayas. The first week of October has already turned Gulmarg and parts of Himachal Pradesh into a sparkling white postcard, giving snow lovers an early reason to pack their bags.

Gulmarg, one of India’s most loved winter destinations, received fresh snow on October 2, while Sinthan Top, Rohtang Pass, and the Dhauladhar ranges also turned white under the season’s first flakes. The early snowfall brought temperatures tumbling across the hill states, offering a cool respite after recent warm, humid weather. However, intermittent showers and icy winds led to temporary traffic suspensions at Rohtang Pass.

Meteorologists have warned of another Western Disturbance arriving from October 4, likely to bring rain, thunderstorms, and isolated snowfall across Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand until October 8. Travellers have been advised to stay alert for possible landslides and road blockages along hilly routes.

In Himachal, hill towns including Dharamsala, McLeodganj, Palampur, Kangra, and Chamba experienced rain and a sharp drop in temperature. Dharamsala recorded 16.5°C, McLeodganj dipped to 9.8°C, and Dalhousie reached a chilly 8.6°C. Dense morning fog and snow-capped peaks created postcard-perfect scenes, drawing tourists and photographers to the region.

Tourism operators have welcomed the early snowfall as a promising start to the winter season, expecting an uptick in visitors in the coming weeks. Locals, too, are embracing the sudden chill, calling it a “welcome sign” of winter after an unusually warm September.

With fresh snow blanketing the slopes and more expected soon, the Himalayas are officially open for the season — offering travellers an early taste of winter magic and the scenic charm that makes these mountains irresistible year after year.