Kashmir got its first snowfall of the season on Tuesday, 13 October 2026. Officials reported light to moderate snow at Zero Point in Sonamarg, Gulmarg's Afarwat heights, Razdan Pass and along the Zojila axis, while rain fell on Srinagar and the plains. More snow fell overnight into Wednesday, 14 October, on the higher reaches of Gulmarg, Sonamarg, the Zojila axis and Pahalgam. We filmed the snow at the Sonamarg Tunnel and shared it on Instagram on the evening of 13 October.
Watch our reel:
First snowfall 2026 at a glance
| Question | Short answer |
|---|---|
| When? | Tuesday, 13 October 2026, from a Western Disturbance, with more snow on the higher reaches overnight into 14 October |
| Where did it snow? | Zero Point (Sonamarg), Gulmarg and Mount Afarwat, Razdan Pass (Bandipora), the Zojila axis, the Tulail area of Gurez and, overnight into 14 October, the higher reaches of Pahalgam |
| Srinagar? | Rain, not snow |
| How long? | MeT forecasts rain and light snow on the higher reaches until 15 October, improving from 16 October, with generally dry weather from 17 to 24 October |
| Roads | Time-bound and weather-dependent. Check the daily traffic plan before you leave |
| Cab Srinagar to Sonamarg | Etios ₹2,500, Innova Crysta ₹3,500, tolls and parking included |
Where it's snowing
- Sonamarg and Zero Point: fresh snow at Zero Point and along the Zojila axis on 13 October, and more overnight into 14 October. Our reel shows it falling at the Sonamarg Tunnel.
- Gulmarg: fresh snow on Mount Afarwat (the Gondola Phase 2 area). The lower resort had rain and about 10°C in the early afternoon of 13 October, and the higher reaches got more light snow that night.
- Pahalgam: light to moderate snow on the higher reaches overnight into 14 October.
- Razdan Pass and Gurez: fresh snow on Razdan Pass in Bandipora and in Tulail, Gurez.
Road status and advisories
The J&K Traffic Police plan for 14 October on the Srinagar–Sonamarg–Gumri (SSG) road lets light vehicles travel between Sonamarg and Kargil only up to 1 pm after a green signal, with no movement after 5 pm. Drivers must carry anti-skid chains. The Mughal Road (Poonch to Shopian) is open in a 7 am to 6 pm window, subject to weather and GREF clearance. Officials have asked travellers to be careful on mountain passes and higher roads during this wet spell, and these timings can change from day to day.
Before you leave, check with the Traffic Control Unit Srinagar on 0194-2450022 or 103. Since the Sonamarg (Z-Morh) Tunnel opened in January 2025, Sonamarg itself stays reachable on most days. Zoji La beyond it can still shut after heavy snow.
How to plan a snow trip now
- Timing: light snow on the higher reaches is expected until 15 October. The weather should improve from 16 October and stay mostly dry from 17 to 24 October, so the fresh snow may melt at lower points. Plan a day trip for the clear days just after the spell, or wait for the main winter.
- Go early: leave Srinagar early and keep to daylight. Cut-off times apply beyond Sonamarg.
- Private cab: an experienced local driver with chains. Our driver checks the road plan that morning, and if the road is held we move the day.
- Pack: warm layers, waterproof shoes, gloves and a rain jacket, because the plains are getting rain.
- Keep a spare day: in case a road is closed after fresh snow.
Prices
Srinagar to Sonamarg by private cab: Etios ₹2,500 or Innova Crysta ₹3,500, tolls and parking included. See the Srinagar to Sonamarg taxi fare page. Add the snow to a package:
- Srinagar package from ₹12,999
- Gulmarg package from ₹16,999
- Pahalgam package from ₹19,999
FAQs
When was the first snowfall in Kashmir in 2026?
On 13 October 2026, on the higher reaches including Zero Point Sonamarg, Gulmarg's Afarwat, Razdan Pass and Gurez. More snow fell on the higher reaches, including Pahalgam's, overnight into 14 October.
Did it snow in Srinagar?
No. Srinagar and the plains got rain.
Is the Sonamarg road open?
Traffic is time-bound and weather-dependent. Check TCU Srinagar (0194-2450022) or message us before you set off.
How much is a cab from Srinagar to Sonamarg?
Etios ₹2,500 and Innova Crysta ₹3,500, tolls and parking included.
Plan your snow trip with Travel Etios Kashmir. Call or WhatsApp 7006085655 or 9596044418. Registered with J&K Tourism: JKEA00005366.
Photos: Travel Etios Kashmir, from our own reel of 13 October 2026.
