The high-altitude areas of Ladakh witnessed the season’s first snowfall, with the famous Khardung La pass, at 18,379 feet, the world’s second-highest motorable pass, turning white. At the same time, officials said moderate rain lashed the Union Territory plains.

Light to moderate snowfall was reported from most mountain passes in the last 24 hours. This included Khardung La, which connects the Shyok and Nubra valleys, the 17,950-foot-high Changla Top on the Leh–Pangong Lake road, and several areas of the Zanskar Valley.

Officials added that Leh and Kargil town areas, along with other subdivisions, also received rainfall. So far, there have been no reports of damage.

Red Alert issued by weather department

The local weather office has issued a red weather warning for Ladakh. It has predicted heavy rain in many places, light to moderate showers on Tuesday, with isolated heavy rainfall, followed by dry weather from August 27 to 30.

Authorities warned of possible damage to old mud houses, water seepage, traffic disruption at mountain passes, snowfall at higher reaches, and localised landslides or mudslides. People have been advised to remain cautious and follow official advisories.

Bad weather also forced the cancellation of several flights atLeh Airport. Because of this, the Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, will stay in Leh for a few more days.

He had been scheduled to return to his Dharamshala residence after completing his one-and-a-half-month-long tour of Ladakh. Officials confirmed that the Dalai Lama had arrived in Leh on July 12, but his return flight could not depart due to the adverse conditions.

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