First snowfall on upper reaches of Kashmir

Srinagar: The upper reaches in the Kashmir valley experienced first snowfall while plains witnessed gusty winds and rains.
The sun was shining though the icy cold winds but people had to wear warm cloths.
It was a joyous moment for the tourists who enjoyed the first snowfall on the slopes, a hotel owner told over phone from Gulmarg.
He said a large number of tourists from different states, particuarly from West Bengal, did not believe their eyes when they saw snowing yesterday in the afternoon.
About five to six inches of snow had accumulated on the slopes which disappeared today because of improvement in the weather due to sunshine, he said.
He said the tourists, who did not expect snowfall during this time of the season, were seen enjoying the season despite it was cold.
Tourists were seen wearing overcoats and other woolen cloths, provided to them on rent.
He said the upper reachs, including Affarwat and Khilanmarg had more snow and one could see White Mountains from a distance.
Official sources said that the Holy Amarnath cave shrine and its periphery in south Kashmir Himalyas also experienced more than a feet snow since yesterday morning.