DODA, Jan 2, 2026 — Transforming the landscape into a winter wonderland, the higher altitudes of the Doda Valley and Bhalesa finally witnessed the season’s inaugural snowfall today, terminating an exhausting two-month drought.
This fresh white blanket is being celebrated across Jammu and Kashmir as a “New Year’s miracle,” arriving just in time to rescue the region from an uncharacteristically arid stretch. The flurry of snow has not only boosted the morale of the local population but has also provided a vital lifeline to the agricultural sector, which had been struggling under the prolonged lack of precipitation.
The shift in weather is expected to ignite a massive surge in footfall for the local hospitality industry, as travelers flock to the hills to experience the pristine alpine scenery. For the residents of Bhalesa, this snowfall represents more than just a change in temperature; it is a critical restoration of the natural cycle necessary for the area’s water security and scenic appeal.
With the dry spell officially broken, optimism is high among tourism stakeholders who believe this “gift from nature” will pave the way for a record-breaking winter season in the valley.
