Kashmir receives season’s first snowfall as Chillai Kalan begins: See pics

Kashmir has slipped into its most dramatic winter chapter. As Chillai Kalan — the Valley’s 40-day period of intense cold — begins, rain and snowfall have transformed large parts of Jammu and Kashmir into a postcard-perfect winter landscape. From snow-covered hill stations to fog-laced mornings in Srinagar, the season has arrived with all its stark beauty and travel appeal. If watching snowfall, frozen lakes and snow-draped mountains is on your travel bucket list, this is why Chillai Kalan (December 21 to January 31) remains one of the most unforgettable times to visit Kashmir. (Image: X/ @yhrishabh)

What exactly is Chillai Kalan?
Chillai Kalan marks the harshest phase of winter in Kashmir, when temperatures routinely dip below zero. During this period, water bodies freeze, frost coats rooftops and the Valley takes on a monochrome white glow. For locals, it’s a test of endurance; for travellers, it’s Kashmir at its most cinematic. (Image: PTI)

Snowfall turns the Valley into a winter postcard
This year, Chillai Kalan kicked off with rain in Srinagar and Anantnag, and heavy snowfall in higher reaches. Sonamarg, Gulmarg and Pahalgam have already received the season’s first snow, blanketing roads, rooftops and pine forests in white. In Gulmarg alone, around nine inches of snowfall was recorded over 24 hours, much to the delight of skiers and winter holidaymakers. (Image: PTI)

Dal Lake in peak winter mood
As temperatures dipped — with Srinagar recording a sharp fall of around 4°C, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD) — parts of Dal Lake began showing classic winter signs. Dense fog hung over the water, creating an ethereal atmosphere, while shikara rides and sightseeing continued, offering travellers a rare chance to experience the lake in its quietest, most atmospheric form. (Image: X/ @shaistawani8512)

Sonamarg and Pahalgam steal the spotlight
Sonamarg in Ganderbal district and Pahalgam in Anantnag witnessed fresh snowfall over the last 24 hours, marking the first major snow spell of the season. Vehicles, hotels and trails were coated in fresh snow, turning these popular hill stations into winter wonderlands. Hoteliers and tour operators are already gearing up for a surge in tourist arrivals over the next few days. (Image: PTI)

Why locals welcome this harsh winter
While Chillai Kalan disrupts daily life — freezing water pipes and slowing movement — it is also considered vital for Kashmir’s ecology. The heavy snowfall replenishes perennial mountain reservoirs that feed rivers, lakes and springs through the summer months. Farmers see it as a sign of prosperity, ensuring better water availability and improved crop yields later in the year. (Image: PTI)

The iconic ‘pheran’ and winter traditions
Winter in Kashmir isn’t just about snow — it’s also about culture. During Chillai Kalan, locals don the traditional pheran, a long woollen cloak that provides warmth against biting temperatures. For travellers, this is a chance to witness everyday life shaped by centuries-old winter traditions. (Image: PTI)

Travel disruptions come with the snow
The first major snowfall of the season also brought challenges. Authorities shut several key routes, including the Mughal Road connecting south Kashmir to the Pir Panjal region and the Srinagar–Sonamarg–Gumri (SSG) road linking Kashmir with Ladakh. Flight operations at Srinagar International Airport were also affected, reminding visitors to plan carefully and track weather advisories. (Image: PTI)

Better air quality and a quieter Valley
After weeks of dryness since early November, the rain and snowfall have come as a relief. Medical experts expect improved air quality, particularly beneficial for those with respiratory issues. For travellers, the snowfall brings another advantage — fewer crowds, softer light and a slower, more contemplative Kashmir. (Image: X/ @shaistawani8512)

Plan smart if you’re visiting
The IMD has issued a yellow alert for parts of Jammu and Kashmir, warning of moderate to heavy snowfall in areas such as Kupwara, Bandipora and Ganderbal. Travellers are advised to monitor weather updates, expect foggy mornings, and stay flexible with road and flight plans. Chillai Kalan may be Kashmir’s harshest season, but it is also its most spellbinding. For those willing to brave the cold, the reward is a rare glimpse of the Valley at its raw, snow-draped best — a reminder of why Kashmir continues to be called the Paradise on Earth. (Image: PTI)