Photos: Snow blankets Kashmir as cold wave grips North India

Srinagar: As a cold wave swept across the Kashmir valley, residents gathered around firepits to stay warm, with temperatures dipping below freezing on Monday. The winter season in Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, is known for its extreme cold and scenic beauty.

The picturesque region of Srinagar, blanketed in snow, offers a stunning winter landscape. However, the extreme cold poses challenges to locals and visitors alike. To combat the frigid temperatures, people rely on warm clothing, including Pashmina shawls and woolen caps.

The cold wave has impacted other parts of northern India, with Shimla and the mountainous regions of Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir experiencing heavy snowfall. The snow-covered landscapes have transformed into a serene and breathtaking winter wonderland. Take a look:

Fresh snowfall in Gurez Valley, Kashmir, on Tuesday has left the area covered in snow. As temperatures drop below freezing, the cold wave continues to disrupt daily activities, with Srinagar reaching -3°C on Wednesday.

A signboard reading "Welcome to Sarthal" stands in a snow-covered area following fresh snowfall in Kathua, Jammu and Kashmir, on Tuesday.

A view of snow-covered trees and landscape following fresh snowfall in Kathua, Jammu and Kashmir.

Vehicles collide on the snow-covered Manali-Leh highway due to slippery conditions caused by heavy snowfall in Lahaul and Spiti

Kathua was blanketed in snow as the cold wave tightened its grip on the Kashmir Valley.

Icicles form on a tree as the Kashmir Valley experiences sub-zero temperatures in Tangmarg, Baramulla, on Saturday.

Snow-covered mountains and a frozen waterfall as the valley endures sub-zero temperatures in Tangmarg, Baramulla, on Saturday.