Kokernag, April 19, 2025: Fresh snowfall blanketed Sinthan Top, the iconic mountain pass in South Kashmir’s Kokernag region, on Saturday, April 19, 2025, turning its alpine landscape into a stunning winter vista. The dramatic weather event, fueled by a potent Western Disturbance, brought heavy snow to the 3,748-meter-high pass, leading to the temporary closure of the NH-244 route linking Kokernag to Kishtwar. The Sub-Divisional Administration Kokernag has initiated urgent snow clearance operations to restore connectivity, as reported by local sources.
The snowfall, starting early Saturday, draped Sinthan Top’s rugged slopes and meadows in a thick white layer, captivating onlookers with its ethereal beauty. Visuals circulating online showed snow-covered peaks shrouded in mist, underscoring the pass’s allure as a Himalayan gem. The India Meteorological Department had forecast light to moderate snow across Jammu and Kashmir’s higher reaches from April 18–20, with Sinthan Top bearing the brunt due to its elevation. The storm follows recent weather disruptions, including a hailstorm in Baramulla and snowfall in Bandipora’s Gurez Valley.
The NH-244 closure, caused by significant snow accumulation, has disrupted travel between the Kashmir Valley and Kishtwar’s Chenab Valley. “We’re working round-the-clock to clear the roads and ensure safety,” said a Kokernag administration official, advising travelers to avoid the route until conditions improve. The pass, a vital link, faced similar closures in January 2025, when six inches of snow blocked access, highlighting its vulnerability to winter weather.
Sinthan Top, a tourist hotspot from April to September, draws visitors for its trekking trails, wildflower meadows, and proximity to lakes like Kausar Nag. Saturday’s snowfall, while enhancing its scenic charm, poses challenges for tourism and local communities in nearby Daksum and Sagam, home to the new Sagam Tulip Garden. “The snow is beautiful, but it isolates us,” said Mohammad Yousuf, a Daksum shepherd. The administration has ensured essential supplies to mitigate disruptions, building on lessons from past snow events.
The weather shift aligns with South Kashmir’s erratic spring, which saw Kokernag record a high of 27.5°C on April 15 before plunging into snow and rain. A 2023 study linked such extreme weather to climate change, predicting more frequent snow and hail events in Kashmir. The snowfall could impact Kokernag’s horticulture and tourism sectors, though the tulip garden’s lower elevation may be spared.
The IMD expects the Western Disturbance to subside by April 21, with clearer skies forecast for Kokernag by mid-week. Until then, travellers are urged to check weather advisories and avoid high-altitude routes. Sinthan Top’s transformation, while challenging, reflects South Kashmir’s untamed beauty and resilience, echoing the region’s vibrant spirit seen in milestones like the Amarnath Yatra 2025’s 4,200 Day 1 registrations and Emversity’s Srinagar campus launch.