NEW DELHI, Jan 24: Videos of heavy snowfall blanketing popular hill destinations across North India have taken social media by storm drawing admiration, awe and an unmistakable surge of winter wanderlust.
From tree-lined roads disappearing under pristine white layers to tourists cheering as snowflakes fall thick and fast, these visuals have turned timelines into virtual winter postcards. The scenes, shared from destinations across Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Jammu & Kashmir, have arrived after long dry spells in several regions, making the snowfall feel even more magical for travellers and locals alike.
Heavy snowfall has also disrupted daily life, blocked crucial roads, triggered power outages and prompted repeated travel advisories from authorities. As more travellers may consider heading north to chase snow this long weekend, officials are urging caution, preparedness and responsible travel amid rapidly changing weather conditions.
In Himachal Pradesh, intense snowfall over the past few days has led to widespread disruption. Hundreds of roads, including key national highways connecting high-altitude regions such as Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur, have remained closed due to heavy snow accumulation. Power supply and water services have also been affected in multiple districts, with restoration work underway but dependent on weather conditions.
Higher reaches have reportedly received several feet of snow, making clearance slow and labour-intensive. Authorities have repeatedly advised tourists to avoid unnecessary travel, especially towards snowbound passes and interior roads.
Jammu and Kashmir witnessed a spell of heavy snowfall that temporarily shut down the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway: the Valley’s primary all-weather link with the rest of the country. Thousands of vehicles, including those carrying essential supplies, were stranded as road conditions turned dangerously slippery. Large-scale clearance operations, supported by the Army and disaster response teams, helped evacuate stranded travellers and provide food, shelter and medical aid. While weather conditions have since improved and flight operations at Srinagar airport have resumed, several interior and high-altitude roads remain closed until declared safe.
In Uttarakhand, the season’s first major snowfall covered pilgrimage towns, ski destinations and hill stations across Garhwal and Kumaon. Places such as Auli, Kedarnath, Badrinath and Mussoorie saw thick snow cover, drawing tourists outdoors even as road access to some areas was suspended. Continuous rain and snow damaged power lines in parts of the state, while key approach roads to popular tourist spots were closed as a precaution. The administration has urged travellers to postpone non-essential journeys, particularly to higher elevations, as weather alerts remain in place.
(Manas Dasgupta)