Kashmir severely cold due to fresh snowfall
Srinagar, Oct 26: The Kashmir valley is under the grip of severe cold due to fresh snowfall on the upper reaches, including the world famous ski resort of Khilanmarg, while plains had rains resulting in considerable drop in the temperature.
However, the 300-km-long Srinagar-Jammu and the 434-km-long Srinagar-Leh national highways were open and air traffic remained unaffected.
Official sources said Khilanmarg and Affarwat slopes had turned white after fresh snowfall last evening.
However, the slopes of another world famous ski resort of Gulmarg still awaits first snowfall of the season.
A resident from Gulmarg told sources over phone that it was raining since early this morning while upper reaches experienced snowfall.
It is very cold as icy winds were sweeping the entire belt since last evening resulting in cold.
People have already started wearing warm cloths, including ''Pheran'', long woollen robe used in winter, and using '' Kangri'', an earthern firepot used for warming, he added.
After wintessing a bumper season last winter, officials expect a large number of tourists, including skiers and adventure lovers, to visit Gulmarg this winter too.
The other upper reaches in the Kashmir valley also experienced snowfall last evening and early this morning.
Reports of fresh snowfall have also been received from the holy Amarnath cave shrine and adjoining areas since last evening.
Snowfall was also recorded at Pisso top, Mahaguns, Sheshnag and Panjtherni.
The upper reaches in the Drass, the second coldest place in the world after Sibiera, and Zojila on the Srinagar- Leh highway also experienced snowfall last evening.
The authorities have announced that the highway will be closed for six winter months from October 31.
UNI