October 9, 2025 – An early winter descended on Ladakh overnight, with 10 inches of snowfall closing the Zojila Pass, the only road linking Srinagar to Leh, and stranding 120 travelers, including tourists, traders, and local students. The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) reported avalanche risks at the 3,528-meter pass by 6 AM, prompting the Ladakh administration to issue a travel ban. Deputy Commissioner Kargil Rakesh Kumar, in a 9 AM advisory, directed residents to use Leh airport, where flights operate at 70% capacity due to low visibility from snow clouds. “Air routes are open, but road travel is unsafe until further notice,” Kumar said.
Temperatures in Drass dropped to -8°C, while Leh recorded -3°C, marking an unusually early freeze compared to typical November onsets. The snow, driven by a western disturbance, disrupted supply chains critical for Ladakh’s Buddhist, Muslim, and migrant communities. Over 200 tonnes of kerosene, medicines, and grains were airlifted from Srinagar at a daily cost of Rs 50 lakh, as confirmed by LAHDC Kargil Chairman Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon. “We have two weeks’ stock, but a prolonged closure risks price spikes,” Akhoon said during an emergency meeting, allocating Rs 15 lakh for relief camps housing stranded families, including 30 from Jammu.
The closure compounds economic strain post-September’s unrest, which cut tourism revenues by 50%. Nubra Valley’s hotels report zero occupancy, impacting women-run homestays and youth guides from both Buddhist and Shia Muslim communities. Tashi Dolma, 40, a homestay owner in Hunder, said: “Tourists from Punjab canceled; our winter prep is stalled.” Schools in Kargil shifted to online classes, with 80% attendance reported, ensuring education access for remote tribal students. In Leh, the Army’s blood donation camp yesterday bolstered hospital reserves, aiding elderly and pregnant women in isolated villages.
BRO teams aim to clear the pass by October 15, but IMD forecasts more snow till October 11. Community kitchens in Drass, run by interfaith groups including Sikh volunteers, are feeding 50 travelers daily. Jammu’s pashmina traders, linked to Ladakh’s economy, face Rs 10 crore losses this month. Akhoon urged calm: “Our diversity – Buddhist, Muslim, Hindu – is our strength; we’ll endure.” Residents can call 1800-180-7018 for updates.