Snow fall of the season

[ghazi52]

 

[ghazi52]

Tourists flock to Murree as snowfall transforms landscape​

Enchanting valleys of Kalam & Malam Jabba also see considerable rise in tourist activity

APP
March 07, 2025

A view of the Kalam Valley covered in snow. PHOTO: SHEHZAD KHAN / EXPRESS

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ISLAMABAD: Murree and the northern areas are experiencing a surge in tourism as heavy snowfall blankets the upper parts of Pakistan.

According to Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) officials, the snowfall has attracted thousands of visitors eager to enjoy the picturesque winter landscapes, with popular destinations like Murree Mall Road, Jhiga Gali, Ayubia, Kashmir Point, and Ghora Gali, Swat, Malam Jabba witnessing a significant influx.

Beyond Murree, the enchanting valleys of Kalam, Bahrain, and Malam Jabba in Swat have also seen a considerable rise in tourist activity. Families from Central Punjab and across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are flocking to these scenic locations to relish snowfall and partake in winter sports.

The cold temperatures have heightened the winter atmosphere, prompting visitors to bundle up as they explore the stunning surroundings.

Naveed, a government employee from Islamabad, expressed his enthusiasm for the region's unique offerings, "Swat's combination of snowfall, trout fishing, and winter sports is unmatched in Pakistan." His sentiments reflect a growing appreciation for the diverse experiences available to visitors, from skiing in Malam Jabba to fishing in the pristine waters of the Swat River.

The Swat region is garnering attention not only for its natural beauty but also for its rich cultural heritage, hosting archaeological treasures that attract history enthusiasts.

The Saidu Sharif Museum and ancient Buddhist sites highlight the valley's historical significance, drawing visitors from around the globe.

To facilitate this surge in tourism, the relevant tourism departments are implementing various projects aimed at enhancing infrastructure and promoting new tourist spots, with an emphasis on environmental preservation.

Upcoming events include a winter gala and sports rafting competitions along the Swat River, aimed at further boosting local tourism.

 

[ghazi52]

Beautiful View Of Shangla Road

 

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NathiaGali.

 

[ghazi52]

Naran Kaghan Valley KP..

 

[ghazi52]

GB

 

[ghazi52]

Kaghan Valley experiences unusual cold snap​

Snowfall at Babusar Top highlights the effects of climate change

Zulfiqar Ali
May 29, 2025

Snow-capped mountains and snow-clad structures beckon tourists to Kaghan Valley. Photo: Express

BALAKOT: The Kaghan Valley is experiencing abnormal weather patterns these days most likely due to the effects of climate change.

The region saw snow melting in the high mountains in April, unlike the previous year. By the end of May, snowfall created a January-like atmosphere.

After more than three inches of snowfall in Babusar Top and surrounding valleys, temperatures have dropped, and heavy rainfall in lower areas has increased water flow in streams and rivers. This weather pattern is expected to continue for the next three days.

Heavy rainfall began in the Balakot area and surrounding regions yesterday, leading to snowfall in the upper areas of the Kaghan Valley.

 

[ghazi52]

The Pak-China border area at Khunjerab Pass has received the first snowfall of the season 2025.

 

[ghazi52]

First snowfall blankets Babusar Top as winter arrives in the north​

ByNews Desk

MANSEHRA: Babusar Top and other parts of upper Mansehra received the season’s first snowfall on Saturday, blanketing the highlands in white and drawing large numbers of tourists to the scenic northern valleys.


Light snowfall was reported in Babusar Top, Baesar Jhal Khud, and Noori Top, while tourists thronged Naran and nearby hill stations to enjoy the early onset of winter.

The snowfall also extended to Azad Jammu & Kashmir, where Muzaffarabad’s Makra Mountain received its first flurry of the season, bringing cool winds across the region. Overnight rain further intensified the chill in surrounding areas.

 

[ghazi52]

Early snowfall in GB offers relief amid climate concerns​

Jamil Nagri
October 5, 2025



KHUNJERAB Top sees season’s first snowfall, blanketing area near Pakistan-China Gate.—Courtesy GB tourist police

GILGIT: The upper areas of Gilgit-Baltistan on Saturday received the first snowfall of the season, which is seen as a positive sign after years of delayed snowfall linked to climate change that has disrupted the fragile ecosystem and worried local communities.

The lower areas received scattered rain on Friday and Saturday, bringing a noticeable drop in temperature. According to locals, the areas situated above 12,000 feet, including Khunjerab Top and Babusar Top, received the first snowfall of the season. The snow-covered landscape pushed temperatures below freezing.

Tourist police said traffic at Babusar Top had been closed at night due to fears of slippery conditions. The Babusar Road, which usually remains open from June to November, is a key route for tourists and local passengers travelling between Gilgit-Baltistan and other parts of the country.

Similarly, the Khunjerab Top area also received up to three inches of snowfall, disrupting travel for vehicles moving between Pakistan and China through the Khunjerab Pass. Many areas of Gilgit, Hunza, Nagar, Diamer, Astore and Baltistan divisions received scattered rain, forcing residents to wear warm clothes and make heating arrangements at homes.

Gilgit-Baltistan experienced devastating floods this summer caused by rapid glacier melt, glacial lake outburst floods (Glofs), cloudbursts, and landslides. Over 50 people, including tourists, lost their lives, while infrastructure, agricultural land, forests, and private properties worth billions of rupees were destroyed.

In July, temperatures in Chilas soared to 48.5°C — the highest since July 17, 1997, when it reached 47.7°C. In Bunji, the temperature hit 46.1°C, the highest since 1971. Experts believe that the region, one of the most environmentally sensitive in the world, has been experiencing severe climate change impacts in recent decades. Over the past decade, snowfall in GB has been delayed until late December or even March.

Experts warn that this shift in weather patterns prevents snow from compacting into stable ice, and with the onset of heatwaves, unstable snow melts rapidly, triggering flash floods and Glof events.

Gilgit-Baltistan Environmental Protection Agency (GBEPA) Director Khadim Hussain told Dawn that climate change has severely affected the fragile ecosystem of GB, home to over 8,000 glaciers, 30,000 glacial lakes, countless mountains, and vast pastures.

He said unplanned development, rapid tourism, and construction in forested and green-belt areas are damaging the region’s environment. He stressed GB’s vulnerability to climate change and its crucial role as Pakistan’s “water tower,” feeding the Indus River, which supports 70 per cent of the country’s agriculture and 40pc of its hydropower.

 

[ghazi52]

Naran

 

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[ghazi52]

Skardu

 

[kubotabx23]

Do the locals run snow tires in places where it snows consistently? I know out here in the states, some states north by the Canadian border & parts of Canada just switch to snow tires once the season starts.

 

[ghazi52]

Murree gears up for winter tourism​

Introduces strict parking bans, snow-clearing vehicles, facilitation centres & real-time monitoring

Qaiser Shirazi
November 18, 2025

RAWALPINDI: The snowfall season in Murree will run from December 15 to February 25, and a new 'snow plan' has been enforced.

On January 7, 2022, 23 tourists died of suffocation inside their vehicles due to heavy snowfall. Among them were eight members of the same family.

It was the largest snowfall disaster in 30 years, during which tourists suffered due to the lack of adequate rescue facilities. The deaths occurred due to carbon monoxide poisoning when snow blocked the vehicles' exhaust pipes. Keeping this tragedy in view, a transparent new snow plan has been prepared.

Rawalpindi Commissioner Aamir Khattak and the Regional Police Officer will directly monitor the situation. This year, additional snow-clearing vehicles and large quantities of salt and chemicals for melting snow have been sent to Murree.

A snow safety advisory has also been issued for tourists.

Nineteen facilitation centres will become operational from December 15.

The total number of snow-clearing vehicles has increased to 20, which will operate 24 hours in three shifts, each vehicle staffed with two workers per shift.

Parking has been banned on all roads leading to Murree, as well as on the Mall Road and inside local bazaars. Vehicles parked illegally will be sealed. Cars will only be allowed in designated commercial parking areas.

A military contingent will remain fully alert during the season. NDMA, police and Rescue 1122 personnel will be deployed. Additional police, traffic wardens and Civil Defence staff will also be stationed in Murree. All hotels will maintain uniform heater rental rates.