The Mughal Road closure explained by locals: why Peer Ki Gali shuts after snow, what happened on 11 November 2026, how to check the status, and the roads, trains and flights to use instead.
Travelling between Jammu and Kashmir?
Tell us your dates. We plan the route that is actually open, by road, rail or air.
In This Article
- What happened to Mughal Road this week?
- Why does the Mughal Road closure happen every winter?
- How do you check the Mughal Road status?
- Mughal Road vs the Jammu-Srinagar highway in winter
- What are the alternatives when Mughal Road is closed?
- Planning a winter trip around road closures
- Frequently asked questions
Quick Answer: Mughal Road closure is routine from November onwards. The road crosses Peer Ki Gali at about 3,490 metres, and the first snow shuts it for safety, as it did on 11 November 2026. It usually stays unreliable through winter and is cleared in spring. Use the Jammu-Srinagar highway, the train or a flight instead.
Last updated: 12 November 2026. By Kashmir Pulse Editorial. Kashmir Pulse is Via Kashmir's editorial channel, written by locals.
The Mughal Road closure is one of the first signs of winter in our valley. When the radio says Peer Ki Gali has snow, families in Shopian and Poonch start planning the long way round. This week it happened again. Here is what the closure means, how to check the road, and how to travel between Jammu and Kashmir while it is shut.
What happened to Mughal Road this week?
On 11 November 2026, the road was closed for vehicles after light rain and snowfall at Peer Ki Gali, Kashmir Vision and Rising Kashmir reported. Tourists were also advised against visiting Gurez. The MeT centre in Srinagar forecast a stronger spell on 12 and 13 November, with moderate to heavy snow over higher reaches and an advisory that traffic on passes could be disrupted.
After a closure like this, the road may reopen for a while on dry days once it is cleared and checked, sometimes for one-way traffic. That is why the status can change from one morning to the next.
Why does the Mughal Road closure happen every winter?
The Mughal Road runs about 84 km from Shopian in south Kashmir to Bafliaz in Poonch district, linking the valley with Rajouri and Poonch over the Pir Panjal. Its highest point, Peer Ki Gali, sits at about 3,490 metres. Snow, ice and avalanche risk on the high stretch make it unsafe through the heart of winter.
Early snows like this week's often close it for a few days at a time. Once snow builds up, it usually stays shut until spring clearance. In 2026 it was confirmed open in the second week of May, as our Mughal Road summer guide recorded. A simple rule from our drivers: from November to spring, treat Mughal Road as closed until you are told it is open.
Related reading: Shab Deg: The Kashmiri Turnip and Mutton Pot That Cooks All Night
How do you check the Mughal Road status?
- Check the traffic advisory. The J&K traffic police post daily road status for the Mughal Road and the Jammu-Srinagar highway.
- Read the MeT forecast. A snow spell forecast for the Pir Panjal almost always means a closure. Our forecast guide helps.
- Ask a local driver the evening before. Drivers on this route share news quickly.
- Check again in the morning. Status changes overnight after snow or clearance.
- Have a plan B. Know your alternative route before you set out.
Mughal Road vs the Jammu-Srinagar highway in winter
| Mughal Road | Jammu-Srinagar highway (NH44) | |
|---|---|---|
| Connects | Shopian to Bafliaz (Poonch) | Jammu to Srinagar via Banihal |
| Highest point | Peer Ki Gali, about 3,490 m | Tunnels avoid the old high pass |
| Winter status | Often closed, unreliable | Main all-weather road, short closures after snow |
| Best for in winter | Not recommended | Road travel between Jammu and Kashmir |
For Rajouri and Poonch, the winter route is usually via Jammu. For visitors heading to Srinagar, the highway, the train or a flight are the realistic choices.
Related reading: Kashmiri Quince: Bam Tchoonth, the Fruit That Waits for Winter
Book for this trip
What are the alternatives when Mughal Road is closed?
- ✓By road: the Jammu-Srinagar highway through Banihal. It can also close for some hours after heavy snow, so check before leaving.
- ✓By train: the Vande Bharat service between Katra and Srinagar. Read our Katra to Srinagar train guide.
- ✓By air: direct flights into Srinagar. Our winter flights guide covers fog and snow delays.
Via Kashmir plans winter arrivals around whichever route is open on the day, and that flexibility is the reason to book with people on the ground.
Planning a winter trip around road closures
Keep one spare day at the end of a winter itinerary. Stay in Srinagar with verified hotels or houseboats on Dal and Nigeen as your base, so a closed road changes a day trip, not your whole trip. Our Kashmir packages build in that buffer, and our local cabs carry snow chains. Read driving in Kashmir in snow before any winter drive. Tell us your dates.
Frequently asked questions
Is Mughal Road open today?
Check the J&K traffic police advisory on the morning you travel, because the status changes with every snow spell. On 11 November 2026 it was closed after snow at Peer Ki Gali.
When does Mughal Road close for winter?
There is no fixed date. Early snows from October or November close it for days at a time, and once snow builds up it usually stays shut until spring clearance.
When does Mughal Road reopen after winter?
It reopens after spring snow clearance, and the date varies with the winter. In 2026 it was confirmed open in the second week of May.
Can tourists drive Mughal Road in November?
Only on days it is officially open, and conditions at Peer Ki Gali can turn quickly. In November we advise visitors to avoid it and use the highway, the train or a flight.
What is the best way from Jammu to Srinagar in winter?
The train from Katra, a flight, or the Jammu-Srinagar highway in a cab with snow chains. Check the road status before driving, and keep a spare day in your plan.
Planning a trip to Kashmir? Via Kashmir offers custom itineraries, verified hotels, and local cab services, planned by people who live here.
Planning more than this? Get a full itemised Kashmir quote
