SRINAGAR: Ladakh experienced its first major snowfall of the season in August, with officials calling it an unusually early onset of winter. Snow was reported from Leh, Kargil, and Drass, while several mountain passes, including Pensi-la in Zanskar and the high-altitude Khardung La, witnessed significant accumulation.
Authorities temporarily closed access to Khardung La—one of the world’s highest motorable roads—after slippery, snow-covered stretches were deemed unsafe for travel. “Tourists and residents are strongly advised to avoid high-altitude routes until conditions improve,” an official advisory said, urging travellers to carry warm clothing and follow weather updates before planning journeys.
In Leh district, the unusual weather also brought heavy rain. The Yourting observatory recorded 47 mm of rainfall on August 25, the highest for the month since 1973, according to the Meteorological Centre Ladakh.
The snowfall coincided with the Suru Summer Festival in Kargil’s Suru Valley, leaving visitors surprised. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, who attended the cultural event, witnessed the sudden change in weather as festivities carried on despite the snow.
Khardung La, standing over 17,500 feet, serves as a vital link between Leh and the Nubra and Shyok valleys. Officials warned that early snowfall on such passes could signal a harsher winter ahead, adding that road-clearing teams remain on standby in case of further disruption.
