Bone-chilling chilly, a frozen Dal Lake, and heavy snowfall have thrown life in Kashmir into disarray, but they’ve additionally sparked a surge in vacationer arrivals, captivated by the valley’s winter appeal. The sub-zero temperatures, coupled with the primary main snowfall of the season, disrupted each day life in Kashmir. Nevertheless, this picturesque snowfall has caught the creativeness of vacationers desirous to expertise the valley’s unparalleled winter magnificence. Native tour operators report a marked enhance in bookings following the snowfall, with predictions of extra in early January including to the thrill.
Regardless of the freezing temperatures and snow-covered roads and mountains, a whole lot of vacationers are seen having fun with shikara rides on the enduring Dal Lake, a lot of which stays frozen. Alongside these scenic rides, many guests might be discovered on the lake’s banks, braving icy winds with their baggage, able to test into motels and houseboats. The attract of Kashmir’s snow-covered landscapes and the promise of a dreamlike winter expertise outweigh any discomfort attributable to the chilly.
Shobha Chaturvedi from Delhi shared her pleasure, “Kashmir is heaven on earth. That is my third go to, and I plan to come back right here once more. I really like the individuals, the wonder, and the air right here. The heat of the locals provides to the appeal of this place.”
One other vacationer, Garima, visiting Kashmir for the primary time, echoed comparable sentiments, “Kashmir seems to be gorgeous within the snow. The snow-capped mountains are breathtaking. I’ve all the time needed to go to Kashmir, and seeing its magnificence in individual is past my creativeness. It’s very chilly, nevertheless it’s value it for this magical expertise.”
Past Dal Lake, common locations like Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Sonamarg, blanketed in thick snow, supply a “winter wonderland” expertise. These spots have seen practically 90% bookings throughout New 12 months’s Eve and the primary week of January. Tourism companies stay optimistic about additional development with the anticipated resumption of prepare providers after the snowfall, making the valley extra accessible to vacationers.
Mohammad Shafi, a houseboat and shikara proprietor, expressed his gratitude, “Thank God, the variety of vacationers has elevated considerably, offering us middle-class individuals with employment. With prepare providers anticipated to renew on January 26th, we’re hopeful that extra guests will come, particularly these unable to afford air tickets. Early snowfall this yr has introduced us good enterprise, and we pray it continues like this.”
Whereas the snowfall brought on short-term disruptions, resembling site visitors jams and closed highways, it has undeniably revived Kashmir’s famed winter attract. Lodge, houseboat, and hut bookings in Srinagar, Sonamarg, and the world-renowned Gulmarg have surged. Gulmarg, specifically, is gearing as much as welcome an inflow of skiers and journey fans.
In line with official information, 2024 was a record-breaking yr for tourism in Kashmir, with roughly 30 lakh guests, the very best ever within the valley’s historical past.
This well timed snowfall has not solely enhanced the area’s pure magnificence but additionally strengthened its popularity as a premier winter vacation spot, drawing each home and worldwide vacationers.
