Fresh snowfall blankets Kashmir's high reaches; Mughal Road closed amid growing winter

Snow has fallen in Gurez, Gulmarg, Zojila Pass and other high-altitude areas on November 11, closing the Mughal Road at Pir Ki Gali and prompting tourists to leave Gurez Valley by November 10.

Edited by Sandeep Gupta, Editor · SafarSamachar Desk✔ Fact-checked by Sandeep Gupta11 Nov 2026, 11:35 am IST

Illustration

Illustration: SafarSamachar Pix Desk, created with AI assistance. Not a photograph of the event.

Key facts at a glance

1Snow fell in Gurez, Gulmarg, Zojila Pass and other higher reaches of Kashmir on November 11
2The Mughal Road closed at Pir Ki Gali due to slippery conditions
3Tourists were advised to leave Gurez Valley by November 10 to avoid being stranded
4Heavy snowfall is expected in the higher reaches of Kupwara and Bandipora districts from November 12 to 13
5A Western Disturbance will affect Jammu and Kashmir from November 12 to 14, bringing widespread rainfall in plains and moderate to heavy snowfall in higher reaches
6Day temperatures are expected to drop by 6-8 °C on November 12 and 13
7The Meteorological Department indicated a possibility of thunderstorms and gusty winds in some places
8Snowfall transformed Gulmarg, Kongdoori, Gurez, Sonamarg, Zojila Pass, Minamarg and Peer Ki Gali into a winter wonderland
9Popular tourist destinations like Gulmarg, Sonamarg, Pahalgam and Doodhpathri may see the season's first significant snowfall
10Snowfall was reported at Peer Ki Gali along Mughal Road and in Gurez Valley on November 11
11Candidates appearing for an exam on November 15 were advised to reach examination centres before weather deteriorates
12Snowfall may occur in parts of Shopian, Kulgam, Kupwara, Bandipora and adjoining areas

Snowfall covered Gurez, Gulmarg, Zojila Pass and other high-altitude regions of Kashmir on November 11, turning them into a winter wonderland.

The Mughal Road closed at Pir Ki Gali after slippery conditions made travel hazardous. Tourists were urged to leave Gurez Valley by November 10 or risk being stranded.

Heavy snowfall is forecast for the higher reaches of Kupwara and Bandipora districts on November 12-13, while Gulmarg and Sonamarg could witness the season's first significant snow.

A Western Disturbance will sweep Jammu and Kashmir from November 12 to 14, bringing widespread rainfall in plains and moderate to heavy snowfall at higher elevations. Day temperatures are expected to fall by 6-8 °C on November 12 and 13, with thunderstorms and gusty winds possible in some places.

Snow has also fallen at Peer Ki Gali along the Mughal Road and across Gurez Valley on November 11; other popular sites such as Pahalgam and Doodhpathri may see early snowfall. Snowfall could spread to Shopian, Kulgam, Kupwara, Bandipora and adjoining areas.

Candidates scheduled for an exam on November 15 are advised to reach their centres before the weather worsens.

What this means for Indian travellers

Tourists in Gurez Valley should coordinate their departure with the District Control Room. Check road conditions before heading to higher reaches as Mughal Road is closed and more snow is expected.

Sources

This brief was written with AI assistance from the reports listed above and fact-checked by Sandeep Gupta on 11 Nov 2026. Read our editorial policy.Rules and schedules change - confirm with the airline or embassy before you travel. Spotted an error? Tell us.