Snowfall intensifies cold in Kaghan Valley
A serene tourist stop in Shogran is blanketed in fresh, pristine snow, creating a breathtaking winter landscape. Each year, travellers eagerly anticipate the chance to experience the magic of snow-covered mountains, drawing them to the northern regions during this enchanting season. PHOTO: EXPRESS
MANSEHRA/BALAKOT
The plains of Mansehra and northern areas are experiencing intermittent rainfall and snowfall over the past several days, due to which the intensity of the cold has increased.
Areas most affected by snowfall include Naran, Battakundi and Shugran areas of Kaghan Valley. More than one foot of snow has fallen in the tourist destinations of Naran and Battakundi, while more than four inches have fallen in Shogran. Similarly, about two inches of snow was reported in Kaghan Bazaar.
Heavy snowfall in the upper areas has increased the intensity of the cold. The mountains were transformed into a picturesque winter wonderland as Naran and its surrounding valleys were blanketed with a foot of snow, while Shogran and nearby areas received over five inches.
The snowfall brought a sharp drop in temperatures, with Naran, Kaghan, and Shogran recording lows of minus 7°C, minus 5°C, and minus 3°C, respectively.
The rain and snowfall also brought a refreshing change to the air in Balakot and Kaghan Valley, clearing away the smog and dust that had accumulated during the prolonged drought.
Special instructions from Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Ali Amin Gandapur and Advisor on Tourism, Culture and Archaeology Zahid Chanzeb have been issued to tackle the adverse effects of rainfall and snowfall, after which Director General of Kaghan Development Authority (KDA) Shabbir Khan has ordered the deployment of additional staff in the Kaghan Valley. Instructions have been issued to the officials to remain on high alert with machinery.
The snow has been cleared from other roads in the Kaghan Valley, including the Shogran Road, which was closed due to snowfall, and vehicle movement has been restored.
The Kagahn Development Authority has deployed additional staff including tourism police and dispatched machinery at various places to clear snow and assist tourists and locals in Shogran Park and Kaghan.
Similarly, light snowfall persists in Galiyat, where Abbottabad Traffic Police are actively assisting and guiding tourists.