Due to fresh snowfall in the higher reaches of Bandipora district, vehicular movement on the 85 km long Bandipora-Gurez road has been stopped as a precautionary measure. The road, which links the remote Gurez and Tule valleys, remains treacherous due to snow accumulation and slippery conditions.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), light to moderate rain and snowfall is expected over a large area in Jammu-Kashmir-Ladakh-Gilgit-Baltistan-Muzaffarabad from March 28 to March 31, 2026, while heavy snowfall is expected in some isolated areas of Kashmir Valley on March 30.
Earlier, on March 23, there had been two consecutive avalanches on this vital route — one at the 60th kilometer, which was about 200 meters long, and the other near Korakbal village — which had severely disrupted traffic. 56 RCC teams of Border Roads Organization (BRO) immediately started clearing operations on war footing to restore connectivity. There is no news of any casualty.
Meanwhile, in sharp contrast to the snowy conditions in the higher reaches, the beautiful Sanasar Valley of Jammu region has started witnessing a rush of tourists following the onset of spring season and the removal of snow from the Patnitop-Sanasar road. On March 25, a large number of tourists arrived to enjoy the natural beauty of the valley, including the famous Tulip Garden on the banks of the central lake.
Locals — such as boatmen, hoteliers and shopkeepers — are preparing for a busy tourist season. Families and children taking part in outdoor activities like horseback riding, interactive games and ziplining. Sanasar’s bowl-like structure and blooming tulips have emerged as the main center of attraction this spring. This change in weather highlights the diverse micro-climatic conditions of Jammu and Kashmir. Due to western disturbance, new rains are occurring in the higher areas, while the lower areas are welcoming tourism in the spring season. Officials have advised travelers to check the weather before traveling on hilly roads.
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