Historic August snowfall marks opening of Suru Summer Festival in Kargil
Kargil, Aug 27: The Suru Summer Festival 2025 began with a twist as Suru Valley witnessed its first-ever August snowfall, transforming the annual event into a snow festival.
The grand inaugural ceremony was graced by Union Minister for Parliamentary and Minority Affairs, Kiren Rijiju, as the Chief Guest, and Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavender Gupta, as the Guest of Honour.
They were warmly received by Chairman/CEC LAHDC Kargil, Dr Mohd Jaffar Akhoon, along with the Secretary of Tourism, UT Ladakh, and the Deputy Commissioner of Kargil.
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, while addressing the gathering, thanked the people of Suru Valley for their overwhelming reception and humorously remarked that though he had come for the Suru Summer Festival, “God had his own plans” by blessing the valley with snowfall, turning the occasion into a Snow Festival. The minister said the rare August snow made the festival a once-in-a-lifetime experience for all present.
Speaking on development, Rijiju highlighted that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Government of India is committed to the progress of border villages, terming them the “first villages of the country rather than the last.” He announced special skill development packages for Kargil and Ladakh, with a strong focus on empowering youth and promoting opportunities in the tourism sector. He assured that another special package for youth development will be announced soon.
Rijiju underlined that modern connectivity projects, particularly the Zojila Tunnel and new road infrastructure, will open immense opportunities for tourism in Kargil and Suru, which he described as having “magnificent tourism potential.” Calling upon the youth to actively participate in the upcoming National Sports Day and support the Khelo India Mission, Rijiju stressed that vibrant youth engagement is vital to building a strong and prosperous nation.
In his address, LG Ladakh Kavender Gupta said that Suru Valley has enormous potential to emerge as a year-round tourism destination, blending adventure, culture, and natural beauty. He assured full support from the UT Administration to develop Suru into a hub of sustainable tourism and livelihood generation.
The unexpected season’s first snowfall in August not only delighted locals and tourists but also gave the festival global attention, symbolising the unique charm and unpredictability of Ladakh’s landscape. The Suru Summer Festival 2025, with its blend of adventure sports, cultural showcases, handicrafts, and ethnic food, continues to shine as a celebration of Kargil’s identity and tourism potential.
Chief Executive Councillor (CEC), LAHDC Kargil, Dr Mohd Jaffer Akhoon, extended heartfelt gratitude to Union Parliamentary and Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju and Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Kavinder Gupta for their gracious presence at the Suru Summer Festival.
Addressing the gathering, Dr Akhoon highlighted that Suru Valley is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and the unmatched hospitality of its people. He said that with the continuous support and monetary assistance of the Union Territory Administration, the scale and scope of the Suru Summer Festival will grow manifold in the coming years, creating greater opportunities for tourism and local livelihood.
The CEC also put forth key demands of the region, including the establishment of a Trekking and Mountaineering Institute in Suru, the opening of the Pahalgam–Panikhar road, and district status for Sankoo Sub-Division. He expressed hope that both the Central Government and the UT Administration will take these demands seriously and implement developmental measures to unlock the full potential of Kargil.
Dr Akhoon further extended thanks to the District Administration for putting all necessary arrangements in place, the social media influencers from outside Ladakh who came to promote Suru as a prime tourist destination, and the visitors, tourists, and local community members for turning up in such large numbers despite the harsh weather conditions.
He assured that the Suru Summer Festival will be organised at an even larger scale in the coming years, reflecting the growing enthusiasm and importance of the event. He also noted that the recent inclusion of Suru in the “25 Best Destinations” by National Geographic is a proud achievement for the region and will significantly contribute to positioning Suru as a premier destination for tourism at both national and international levels.
