In a rare and stunning turn of weather, Uttarakhand’s sacred Badrinath Dham has witnessed its earliest snowfall in over four decades, surprising locals and pilgrims alike. For the first time since the 1980s, snow blanketed the region in the first week of October—breaking a record that dates back to 1984–85, when the earliest recorded snowfall occurred on October 14.
🌨️ Unseasonal Chill Grips the Himalayas
The sudden snowfall has drastically dropped temperatures across Badrinath and surrounding areas. According to reports, snow began falling on Monday afternoon and has continued steadily, covering the temple town in a pristine white sheet. Over 5,000 pilgrims visited the shrine that day, many reveling in the unexpected winter wonderland. So far, more than 1.4 million devotees have visited Badrinath this season.
🏔️ Snowfall Spreads Across High Altitudes
The weather shift wasn’t limited to Badrinath:
- Pithoragarh’s high-altitude regions, including Nabhidhang and the Adi Kailash area, saw their first snowfall of the season by evening.
- Hemkund Sahib, another revered pilgrimage site, also reported continuous snowfall from Monday afternoon.
- Gangotri and Yamunotri peaks are now snow-covered, marking the first winter snowfall across the Char Dham circuit.
- Lower regions experienced rainfall, adding to the chill.
🌦️ Forecast and Impact
Meteorological data suggests that districts like Pithoragarh, Bageshwar, Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag, and Chamoli may see further heavy rainfall and snow in the coming days. The early snowfall has not only created scenic beauty but also raised concerns about travel conditions and preparedness for the winter season.
Despite the cold, pilgrims continue to arrive in large numbers, embracing the rare sight of snow-covered shrines and mountain peaks. For many, this unexpected weather has added a magical touch to their spiritual journey.