Snowfall in Gulmarg cheers visiting tourists

Gulmarg, Oct.16 : The unexpected snowfall in mid-October has taken meteorologists and residents here by surprise but the visiting tourists, especially the adventure sports enthusiasts, are having a gala time.

Tourists in Gulmarg are cheerful on being greeted by the white flakes.

"We are extremely happy that we were present here at the right time. It's for the first time that we are witnessing snowfall. Truly it's ecstatic," said Shiv Shankar, a tourist.

The peak season for snowfall is generally witnessed between December and April.

This is the first snowfall of the season, nearly a month ahead of the usual mid-November, which heralds the onset of winter.

Heavy snowfall over the upper reaches and rains in the plains, cold wave conditions have intensified in the valley region. Snowfall has upset normal life in Srinagar.

"It's a beautiful feeling to be in the heart of Kashmir and feeling the white cold flakes creeping on your skin, it is for the first time that I am enjoying snowfall and it's wonderful," said Ramesh, another tourist.

However, the 300 kilometres long Srinagar-Jammu and 434 kilometres long Srinagar- Leh national highways have remained open despite heavy rains at several places.

A weather report from world famous ski resort of Gulmarg said upper reaches in the entire sector had received snowfall.

Gulmarg, which means meadow of flowers, is a hill station in Baramula District Jammu and Kashmir. By Parvez Butt

ANI