A 79% rain shortfall has left Kashmir and the Western Himalayas snowless this winter. This has caused cancelled ski lessons, dreary landscapes, and local issues including a summer drought and exposed wildlife.
I’ve never seen a wetter summer or dryer winter in the Himalayas, says Frozen Himalayas founder Gulzar Hussain. Not simply Gulmarg. While social media is full of Gulmarg ski slope photos, the whole Western Himalayas from Himachal to Ladakh is without snow this year. Kashmir has seen no snow this winter due to a 79% rain deficiency. From postponed ski lessons to dismal landscapes eager for rain, tourists are nervous, but residents are preparing for a summer drought and predatory wildlife.
For the first time in years, Gulmarg and Pahalgam in Kashmir have had no January snowfall. “December and January were dry. There are no substantial rain prospects in the following days. Mukhtar Ahmad, head of Kashmir Meteorological Centre, predicted dry weather until midday on January 16. This is halfway into Chillai Kalan, Kashmir’s 40-day hardest winter. Himachal Pradesh and the Western Himalayas have been hoping for snowfall for days. In Ladakh, temperatures average 15°C and -12°C. Although afternoons are much warmer than typical, minimum temperatures are normal for this time of year. Due to snow shortages, even that may change. Hussain says the ‘chadar’ [frozen sheet of ice] over Zanskar hasn’t fully formed due to this and Nimu-Padum-Darcha road development. Porters and guides who rely on the Chadar trek for seasonal income are now doing shorter treks elsewhere. Everyone from horsemen to sledge riders fears snow tourism will diminish.
Besides this, a dry winter causes major environmental changes. A lack of snow today could disrupt summer freshwater supplies, affecting sowing and drinking water. “The Himalayan Brown Bears have not gone into hibernation yet, while other animals that grow their winter coat around this time are now exposed to predators without snow-covered landscapes to camouflage,” explains Hussain.
Leisure tourism is unaffected in Gulmarg, unlike adventure tourism. Some parts of the ski town received snow this month, and subzero temperatures have not disappointed winter visitors.
Cable car access divides the ski town into three phases. Skiers’ favorite dry land photographs and videos come from the initial phase. Rauf Tramboo, President of Travel Agents Association of Kashmir and a travel operator, says Kongdori and Khilanmarg have roughly a foot of snow in the second and third phases. Adventure activities like skiing require at least five to six feet of snow, therefore they’re canceled.
Adventure activities and excursions in Kashmir were booked out from January to March, but skiers have delayed their visit until this month, adds Tambroo. Tour companies are giving postponed or full refunds, although no cancellations have occurred. Tramboo, who will organize the Khelo India Games in Gulmarg, says the event timetable has not changed.
Traveling with an open mind may be wise right now. When and where it might snow is unknown, so if your tour operator offers a last-minute detour to 4,000m passes, it may be your best shot to obtain what you came for.
Leisure travelers visit Kashmir for other activities. The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa confirmed that ice skating, Drung Waterfall trips, and gondola rides are still available despite snow-related activities being canceled.
A destination can be experienced in multiple ways. Hussain notes that while the Sham Valley hike in Leh may not take you over snowy patches, it offers spectacular scenery and a fantastic network of homestays to experience local culture. Ladakh has beautiful apricot blooms in spring and autumn, whereas Kashmir has almond and tulip blooms. A rethink can relieve strain on winter locations, expand leisure tourism, and improve local livelihoods.
Conclusion
A 79% rain deficit in the Western Himalayas, including Kashmir, has caused a snowless winter in the state. Ski lessons have been canceled, landscapes are dismal, and locals worry about a summer drought and predators. For the first time in years, Gulmarg and Pahalgam in Kashmir have had no January snowfall. Summer planting and drinking water can be hampered by a lack of snow. Without snow-covered landscapes to hide in, Himalayan Brown Bears and other animals that grow their winter coat during this time are vulnerable to predators.
Locals use shorter treks in other places, but adventure tourism is unaffected. This month has brought snow to parts of the ski town, but skiing has been canceled. Ice skating, gondola excursions, and Drung Waterfall visits are also popular among leisure vacationers in Kashmir. Rethinking winter locations could relieve pressure, expand leisure travel, and improve local livelihoods.
