Pahalgam, Gulmarg dip below freezing: what Kashmir travellers should know
By Meera IyerGovernance & Policy Editor, Peepals Bharat
File photo: KennyOMG (CC BY-SA 3.0), via Wikimedia Commons
Pahalgam and Gulmarg recorded the season's first sub-zero nights in readings published on October 25, 2026; MeT expects dry weather till October 31, then light snow.
What Happened
Pahalgam and Gulmarg, two of Kashmir's best-known tourist resorts, recorded the season's first sub-zero minimum temperatures in readings published on Sunday, October 25, 2026. Pahalgam fell to about minus 0.3 degrees Celsius and Gulmarg to about minus 0.4 degrees, according to the Meteorological Department, while Shopian in south Kashmir was the coldest place in the Valley at minus 0.6 degrees. On Monday, October 26, the nights stayed close to freezing, with Pahalgam at 0.2 degrees and Gulmarg at 0.6 degrees. The Meteorological Centre in Srinagar has forecast mostly dry weather until October 31 and light snow on isolated higher reaches from November 1.
Key Facts
- First sub-zero nights of the season: Pahalgam about minus 0.3 degrees Celsius and Gulmarg about minus 0.4 degrees, in readings published on October 25.
- Shopian was the coldest station in the Valley on October 25 at minus 0.6 degrees; Srinagar recorded a low of 2.9 degrees.
- Monday, October 26 readings: Pahalgam 0.2 degrees, Gulmarg 0.6 degrees, Sonamarg 0.5 degrees, Srinagar 3.3 degrees, Qazigund 2.6 degrees, Kupwara 2.8 degrees and Shopian minus 0.1 degrees.
- Leh in Ladakh recorded a low of minus 4.1 degrees Celsius on October 26.
- Fresh snow was reported in the past week on higher areas such as Peer Ki Gali on the Mughal Road and Sinthan Top.
- Forecast: mostly dry from October 25 to 31, with clouds likely towards October 31; light rain in the plains and light snow at isolated higher reaches from November 1, for about three to five days depending on the bulletin.
- The department advised tourists and residents in higher reaches to take precautions, as frost and cold may intensify.
Why It Matters
The word Pahalgam has been trending in search as the cold sets in, and for good reason: late October is when many travellers decide whether to visit Kashmir in autumn or wait for winter snow. The first sub-zero night is a marker for the season. It means hotels, homestays and visitors in the hill resorts now need proper heating at night, and it signals that snow on the higher passes is not far away.
For travellers, the next week looks relatively easy. A dry spell until October 31 means clear days for sightseeing in Pahalgam, Gulmarg, Sonamarg and Srinagar, though mornings and nights will be cold. The picture changes from November 1, when the Meteorological Centre expects light snow on isolated higher reaches. Light snow is often what visitors hope to see, but it can also make mountain roads slippery and lead to short closures of high passes.
That has already happened this month. Snow at Razdan Top on the Bandipora-Gurez road in north Kashmir closed the route briefly in mid-October before it was cleared and reopened. The Mughal Road, which crosses Peer Ki Gali, is also sensitive to snow. Travellers heading to Gurez, or using the Mughal Road between the Kashmir Valley and the Poonch and Rajouri districts, should check the road status with the district administration or traffic police on the day of travel.
| Place | Minimum on October 26, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Pahalgam | 0.2 degrees Celsius |
| Gulmarg | 0.6 degrees Celsius |
| Sonamarg | 0.5 degrees Celsius |
| Srinagar | 3.3 degrees Celsius |
| Shopian | minus 0.1 degrees Celsius |
Impact
Short-term: Visitors over the coming week can expect dry, sunny days and nights near or below freezing in the resorts. Warm layers, gloves and caps are needed for early-morning trips, such as rides up to the meadows in Gulmarg or Pahalgam. From November 1, light snow on the heights may bring the first snow views of the season, along with the chance of brief road closures on high passes.
Long-term: The arrival of the cold opens Kashmir's winter tourism season, which depends on steady snowfall in Gulmarg and on roads, power and water supplies holding up in freezing weather. Hotels and homestays in the resorts will now plan for heating and winter bookings.
Who is affected: Tourists planning Kashmir trips in late October and November; hotel, homestay, taxi and pony operators in Pahalgam, Gulmarg and Sonamarg; residents of higher villages; and drivers on the Mughal Road and the Bandipora-Gurez road.
Key Takeaway
Pahalgam and Gulmarg have had their first sub-zero nights of the season, with dry days forecast until October 31 and light snow on the higher reaches likely from November 1.
Questions and Answers
How cold is Pahalgam now?
Pahalgam recorded about minus 0.3 degrees Celsius in readings published on October 25, 2026, its first sub-zero night of the season. On October 26 its minimum was 0.2 degrees Celsius. Days are milder and dry.
Will it snow in Kashmir soon?
The Meteorological Centre in Srinagar expects mostly dry weather until October 31. From November 1, it forecasts light rain in the plains and light snow at isolated higher reaches for a few days.
Is it a good time to visit Pahalgam and Gulmarg?
The week to October 31 is forecast to be dry, which suits sightseeing, but nights are around freezing. Pack warm clothes, and from November 1 check road and weather updates before driving to high areas.
Which roads are affected by snow?
High routes such as the Mughal Road over Peer Ki Gali and the Bandipora-Gurez road over Razdan Top close for short spells after snow. The Gurez road was briefly shut in mid-October and then reopened.
Disclaimer: Prepared by the Peepals newsroom from publicly available sources with AI assistance. Information is accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication and may change. Images may be representative. Not professional advice. Report an error via our contact page.
By Meera Iyer, Governance & Policy EditorCovers Governance & Policy and more for Peepals Bharat. All stories by Meera Iyer
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Meera Iyer is a pen name of the Peepals Global Editorial Team, which researches, fact-checks and publishes every story. The portrait is an illustration.
