September Snow Blankets the Himalayas, Turning North India Frosty Overnight

It’s the kind of weather you’d expect in December, not in late September. Yet the lofty stretches of the Indian Himalayas woke up to a gentle white veil early this week, catching trekkers, locals and tourists off‑guard.

In Himachal Pradesh, the famed Rohtang Pass and the surrounding hills of Manali were dusted with around four inches of fresh snow. The frosty spectacle didn’t stop there – the barren cliffs of Baralacha, Shinkula and Ghepan Peak in Lahaul‑Spiti turned into a winter wonderland, while the high passes of Chamba, especially Sach Pass, wore a thin, glittering coat.

Across the border in Uttarakhand, the upper reaches of Chamoli and the remote Niti Valley saw their first flakes of the season. The chill was palpable; temperatures that usually linger in the low‑teens during this month slipped dramatically, making the air feel almost Arctic.

Over in Jammu & Kashmir, Gulmarg’s Apharwat ski resort – usually a bustling summer retreat – now hosts skiers in a fresh layer of snow, even in its Phase Two slopes. The neighbouring Gurez Valley, particularly Kabul Gali in Bandipora district, reported its inaugural snowfall of the year, prompting a wave of cold that has seeped into the valley’s narrow lanes.

Ladakh, never one to shy away from drama, joined the party. The high‑altitude corridors around Zojila Pass, the Ladakh side of the pass, and the surrounding peaks around Kargil and Dras were all smothered in a light dusting. Residents noted a sudden dip in temperature, with some days feeling as low as the depths of winter.

Travelers have already felt the impact. Some mountain routes, especially those crossing Sach Pass and Zojila, have become slippery, prompting authorities to issue cautions and, in a few spots, temporary closures. Yet the scenery is breathtaking – pine‑laden ridges, crystal‑clear skies and that fresh, powdery snow that makes every photo look like a postcard.

Experts say the early snowfall is tied to an unexpected dip in the western disturbances that usually sweep across the sub‑continent in early autumn. While it’s not a full‑blown winter yet, locals are being advised to dress warmly, keep an eye on weather updates and plan travel with extra caution.

For now, the Himalayas are flaunting a rare September blanket, reminding everyone that Mother Nature still loves to surprise.