Swathed In White: Ladakh Sees Rare August Snowfall, Khardung La Shut Amid Travel Advisory

Last Updated:August 27, 2025, 16:22 IST

Ladakh sees rare August snowfall in Leh, Kargil, Drass and Khardung La, disrupting travel and marking an early winter onset.

Ladakh saw its first major August snowfall in 2025.

Ladakh witnessed its first major snowfall of the season in August, with fresh snow covering high-altitude passes and rains lashing the Kashmir valley. Officials said widespread snowfall in Leh, Kargil and Drass marked an unusually early onset of winter in the region.

The upper reaches, including Pensi-la in Zanskar and Khardung La- one of the world’s highest motorable passes- received significant snowfall. Authorities temporarily closed the Khardung La road after slippery, snow-covered stretches made travel dangerous.

The weather shift triggered a sharp dip in temperatures across Ladakh. Parts of Leh district also reported heavy rainfall, with the observatory at Yourting recording 47 mm on August 25- the highest for the month since 1973, according to the Meteorological Centre Ladakh. Light to moderate snowfall is forecast in upper reaches over the next 48 hours.

Advisory For Travelers

Authorities urged residents and tourists to avoid high-altitude roads until conditions improve. Snow clearance at Khardung La is expected to begin once weather stabilises. Officials also advised travelers to carry warm clothing and check updates before setting out.

Khardung La, at over 17,500 feet, is a key route connecting Leh with Nubra and Shyok valleys.

Snowfall At Suru Summer Festival

The Suru Summer Festival in Ladakh’s Suru Valley also saw snowfall. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju attended the event.

He wrote on X (formerly Twitter), “First time in my life I’ve seen so much snowfall in August!”

Location :

Ladakh, India, India

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