Kashmir's first snowfall: Mughal Road closed, hopes pinned on winter tourism

Fresh snowfall in the upper reaches of the Kashmir Valley has led to the closure of the historic Mughal Road and Zojila Pass. The snowfall at Pir Ki Gali prompted the Mughal Road's closure, while Zojila Pass recorded 8 inches of snow. This weather event, which was predicted by the Met Department, marks the beginning of the winter season in the region and has caused temperatures to decline, with Srinagar recording a maximum of 8 degrees Celsius in the previous night. Following a downturn in the tourism industry after the Pahalgam terror attack, this snowfall brings expectations that winter tourism will return to the valley, attracting visitors from across the country and the world. The Met department has stated that while there will be no more fresh snowfall or rain, temperatures will continue to drop in the coming days.