Snowfall delights tourists arriving in Kashmir to celebrate the New Year

Srinagar: Timey snowfall this season has returned Kashmir’s famous winter charm with a flourish, bringing cheers to the tourism sector and sparking joy among tourists and the local people linked with the industry.

The season’s first major snowfall has come much to the delight of tourists arriving to celebrate the New Year. The blanket of snow has transformed the valley into a winter wonderland, drawing visitors eager to experience the beauty of the pristine landscape and enjoy the snow-covered vistas.

The snowfall at the start of ‘Chilla-i-Kalan’, the 40-day harshest winter period in Kashmir, is considered as a positive sign for tourism, agriculture, and horticulture. The early snowfall enhances the region’s appeal to tourists, drawing visitors eager to experience the winter wonderland.

For agriculture and horticulture, the timely snowfall aids in replenishing water sources, critical for irrigation. Last winter the snowfall happened at the fag-end of ‘Chilla-i-Kalan’, resulted in decline in tourist arrivals in January with many intending tourists cancelling their bookings and tour operators receiving little to no queries.

However, early snowfall this season has resulted in a surge in hotel bookings with Gulmarg gearing up for an influx of skiers and adventure enthusiasts as the New Year approaches.

During the winter months, famous houseboats and shikaras in Dal Lake provide a unique experience for visitors and snow boosts winter sports, particularly skiing and snowboarding in Gulmarg.

Abhishek, a tourist from Delhi, who arrived here on a five-day trip to celebrate New Year with family in Gulmarg, said Kashmir really looks like a paradise after snowfall and “there’s nothing like experiencing Kashmir’s winter firsthand.”

“It’s magical to see everything covered in snow and it feels like a dream come true. We’re planning to ski in Gulmarg and have a boat ride in Dal lake,” Abhishek said.

Anjali Patil, a tourist from Mumbai, enjoyed playing in the snow at Pahalgam hill resort in south Kashmir. “It feels truly and literally like heaven. Kashmir is so beautiful and the people here are really amazing. We enjoyed it a lot,” she said.

The timely snowfall not only cheered up tourists, but sparked joy among the local tourism players as well. “Last year, we suffered huge losses as the skiing business remained almost shut in the absence of snowfall. But the snowfall this time has brought a festive spirit to the market,” said Mohammad Yosuf, who deals with the skiing equipment business at Gulmarg.

For now the scene in Kashmir remains one of breathtaking beauty, as the snow enhances the valley’s allure for those seeking a quintessential winter getaway. As tourists make their way to the region to ring in the New Year, the snow has undoubtedly added a touch of magic to the celebrations.