• Source:JND
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As the season’s first snowflakes dust the mountains of Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir on Monday, India’s popular hill destinations are turning into enchanting winter escapes. From snow-covered peaks to cozy valley towns, the region is embracing the magic of winter.

Himachal Pradesh

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In Himachal Pradesh, the Lahaul and Spiti districts welcomed the season’s first snowfall, turning high-altitude landscapes into a picturesque winter wonderland. Gondhla received 5 cm of snow, while Keylong recorded 4 cm. Intermittent rains also lashed parts of the state, with Guler receiving 42 mm since Sunday evening, followed by Nagrota Suriyan (38.4 mm), Bharwain (37 mm), Dehra Gopipur (35 mm), Pachhad (34.2 mm), Aghar (32.8 mm), Nadaun (28 mm), and Murari Devi (27 mm).

Thunderstorms were reported in Jot, Murari Devi, Sundernagar, Bhunter, Kangra, Palampur, and Shimla, while gusty winds of 41–57 kmph affected Hamirpur, Narkanda, Kufri, Bajaura, Reckong Peo, Tabo, and Kotkhai. The Meteorological Department has issued an orange alert for heavy to very heavy rain accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds (40–50 kmph) in Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, and Mandi. A yellow alert has been issued for isolated thunderstorms and gusty winds in other areas on Tuesday.

Jammu And Kashmir

In Jammu and Kashmir, Razdan Top in Bandipora and Gulmarg’s Kongdori are now blanketed in fresh snow, creating a stunning white paradise. Officials noted that the 84-km Bandipora-Gurez road, the only surface link between Gurez and the district headquarters, remains under close watch due to unpredictable weather. Snowfall was reported from Sinthan Top in Anantnag, Affarwat in Gulmarg, Zojila Pass, Bangus in Kupwara, Razdan Pass in the Gurez Valley, and other high-altitude regions.

The valley experienced a sharp drop in temperature, with the maximum in Srinagar falling to around 11 Degree Celsius on Monday, down nearly 10 degrees from 22.6 Degree Celsius  the previous day. The Meteorological Department forecasts continued wet and snowy weather in the valley over the next 24 hours.

List Of Winter Destination In India For Snowfall 

1.  Gulmarg, Jammu & Kashmir: A popular destination for skiing and snow sports, with beautiful snowy landscapes and the famous Gulmarg Gondola.

2. Manali, Himachal Pradesh: An evergreen winter wonderland famous for Solang Valley, which offers skiing and other snow adventures. 

3. Auli, Uttarakhand: A skiing paradise with stunning views of the Himalayas and the Nanda Devi peak. 

4. Dalhousie, Himachal Pradesh: A peaceful hill station that offers a beautiful snowy experience, especially in winter.

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5. Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir: This valley becomes a frozen white paradise with snow-covered meadows and the Lidder River glistening alongside.

6. Kufri, Himachal Pradesh: A small hill station near Shimla, known for its snow-covered slopes and winter adventure.