Fresh Snowfall Shuts Srinagar–Leh Highway and Bandipora–Gurez Road, Travel Disrupted
By: Javid Amin | 25 May 2026
Heavy Snowfall Returns to Kashmir, Disrupting Road Connectivity
A fresh spell of snowfall in the higher reaches of Kashmir has once again brought life to a standstill in several mountainous regions, forcing the closure of two strategically important roads—the Srinagar–Leh Highway and the Bandipora–Gurez Road. The sudden weather change has disrupted travel, stranded vehicles, delayed supplies, and pushed temperatures sharply downward across the Valley. Recent weather reports indicate that snowfall in the Zojila axis, Sonmarg, Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Gurez regions led authorities to suspend traffic on vulnerable mountain routes as a precautionary measure.
The fresh snow has transformed Kashmir’s upper reaches into picturesque white landscapes, but it has also highlighted the challenges posed by unpredictable weather in the Himalayan region.
Srinagar–Leh Highway Closed at Zojila Pass
The Srinagar–Leh Highway, one of the most important lifelines connecting Kashmir with Ladakh, was closed after heavy snow accumulation along the Zojila Pass axis. Authorities suspended traffic movement due to slippery road conditions, reduced visibility, and concerns over avalanches.
Zojila Pass, situated at an altitude of over 11,500 feet, is known for its difficult terrain and remains highly vulnerable to sudden weather changes. Even moderate snowfall can make the route unsafe for vehicular movement.
Officials monitoring the highway reported that continuous snowfall in the Sonmarg–Zojila sector created hazardous conditions, forcing the administration to halt traffic until weather conditions improve and snow clearance operations are completed.
The closure has affected passenger traffic as well as freight movement between Kashmir and Ladakh, impacting the transportation of essential commodities and fuel supplies.
Bandipora–Gurez Road Blocked After Snowfall and Snowdrifts
The strategically significant Bandipora–Gurez Road has also been closed after fresh snowfall at Razdan Top, the high-altitude pass connecting Gurez Valley with the rest of Kashmir. Authorities suspended vehicular movement after snow accumulation reduced visibility and made road surfaces dangerously slippery.
Razdan Pass, located at an elevation of more than 11,000 feet, frequently experiences weather-related disruptions. The latest snowfall, coupled with snowdrifts and avalanche threats, prompted officials to halt traffic as a safety measure.
For residents of Gurez Valley, the road serves as a critical link for transportation, healthcare access, trade, and the movement of essential goods. Any prolonged closure can significantly affect daily life in the remote frontier region.
Snowfall Blankets Tourist Destinations
The latest weather spell brought fresh snow to some of Kashmir’s most visited tourist destinations, turning them into stunning winter-like landscapes despite the late spring season.
Snow-covered regions include:
- Gulmarg
- Sonmarg
- Zojila axis
- Gurez Valley
- Pahalgam
- Razdan Top
Meteorological officials attributed the snowfall to an active western disturbance affecting Jammu and Kashmir. The system produced snowfall in higher elevations while bringing rain to the plains, including Srinagar and surrounding districts.
While the snowfall has enhanced the scenic beauty of these destinations, tourism stakeholders fear temporary disruptions as authorities advise visitors against travelling to high-altitude areas until roads are declared safe.
Temperatures Plunge Across the Valley
The combination of snowfall in upper reaches and widespread rainfall in the plains has resulted in a noticeable drop in temperatures across Kashmir.
Cold winds swept through Kupwara, Gurez, Sonmarg and other northern districts, while overcast skies kept daytime temperatures below seasonal averages in many areas. Similar weather events earlier this year also led to significant declines in maximum temperatures across Srinagar, Pahalgam and Kupwara.
In higher reaches, overnight temperatures dipped below freezing, creating icy conditions and increasing the risk of frost formation.
Residents who had begun transitioning into spring conditions found themselves returning to winter clothing as chilly weather gripped the Valley once again.
Hundreds of Travellers Affected
The road closures have disrupted travel plans for tourists, transport operators, and local residents.
Traffic authorities established checkpoints at vulnerable locations, including Sonmarg and Bandipora, where vehicles were either halted or advised to return. The suspension of movement on the Srinagar–Leh Highway and Bandipora–Gurez Road affected both passenger transport and commercial supply chains.
Tour operators reported cancellations and postponements from visitors planning trips to:
- Sonmarg
- Gurez Valley
- Zojila region
- Ladakh via the Srinagar route
Travel experts note that road conditions in high-altitude Himalayan corridors can change within hours, making weather monitoring essential for anyone planning mountain travel.
BRO Teams Launch Snow Clearance Operations
The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) and local administration have begun snow clearance and road restoration work in affected sectors.
Heavy machinery has been deployed to remove accumulated snow and assess road safety before reopening traffic. However, officials caution that restoration depends heavily on weather stability and fresh snowfall patterns. Similar road restoration efforts following previous snowfall episodes required extensive clearance operations before traffic could safely resume.
Authorities are closely monitoring avalanche-prone stretches, particularly around Zojila and Razdan Top, where unstable snow conditions can pose significant risks.
Officials expect road reopening decisions to be based on:
- Snow accumulation levels
- Visibility conditions
- Avalanche risk assessments
- Weather forecasts
- Clearance progress by BRO teams
Why These Roads Matter
The closure of these routes has implications beyond travel inconvenience.
Srinagar–Leh Highway
The highway serves as one of the primary road links between Kashmir and Ladakh, facilitating:
- Passenger movement
- Fuel transportation
- Food and essential supplies
- Tourism traffic
- Military logistics
Bandipora–Gurez Road
The road is the main surface link connecting the remote Gurez Valley with the rest of Kashmir and is vital for:
- Healthcare access
- Education
- Trade and commerce
- Emergency services
- Supply distribution
Any prolonged disruption can place additional pressure on communities living in isolated mountainous regions.
Weather Department Predicts Gradual Improvement
Meteorological officials say the snowfall was triggered by a western disturbance moving across the western Himalayas. While the system has caused temporary disruptions, forecasts suggest weather conditions may gradually improve once the disturbance weakens.
However, authorities remain cautious, noting that mountain weather remains highly unpredictable during seasonal transitions.
Travellers have been advised to check official traffic advisories before undertaking journeys toward Sonmarg, Zojila, Gurez, or Ladakh.
Travel Advisory: Avoid High-Altitude Routes for Now
Authorities have issued a public advisory urging residents and tourists to avoid non-essential travel on mountain roads until clearance operations are completed and safety assessments are finalized.
Safety Recommendations
- Avoid travelling towards Zojila Pass and Razdan Top.
- Monitor official weather and traffic updates.
- Carry winter clothing if travelling in upper reaches.
- Do not attempt to cross closed roads.
- Follow instructions issued by traffic police and district administrations.
The Bigger Picture
The latest snowfall serves as another reminder of Kashmir’s unique and often unpredictable mountain climate. While the snow has revived winter scenery in tourist destinations and replenished high-altitude water reserves, it has also exposed the vulnerability of critical transport corridors to sudden weather events.
As snow clearance operations continue and weather conditions stabilize, residents, tourists, and businesses alike will be hoping for an early restoration of connectivity. Until then, Kashmir’s mountains remain under the grip of an unseasonal return of winter.
