Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal and Uttarakhand turn into winter wonderlands amid disruptions
January 23, 2026: Winter 2026 has turned India’s northern hill states into a stunning snowy spectacle, with heavy snowfall blanketing large parts of Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. Areas such as Srinagar, Baramulla, Gulmarg, and Banihal in Jammu & Kashmir recorded up to 2–2.5 feet of fresh snow, disrupting road connectivity, highways, and air travel, even as tourists flocked to soak in the postcard-perfect scenery.
Himachal Pradesh is witnessing continuous snowfall in popular destinations like Shimla and Manali, where streets, trees, and rooftops are covered in thick layers of snow, creating ideal conditions for winter tourism. In Uttarakhand, Mussoorie, Dhanaulti, Kedarnath, and Chakrata received the season’s first spell of heavy snowfall, drawing visitors and providing a boost to local tourism, hospitality, and horticulture sectors.
While tourists revel in the snow-clad landscapes, residents are grappling with icy roads, sub-zero temperatures, and daily disruptions. Meanwhile, the plains, including Delhi NCR, are experiencing intermittent rain, thunderstorms, and gusty winds due to an active western disturbance, offering temporary relief from pollution but signalling a sharper cold spell in the days ahead.