Monday, February 12, 2024
Gulmarg, the renowned ski resort nestled in the northern region of Kashmir! Recently, after a two-month dry spell, Gulmarg has been blessed with fresh snowfall, marking the end of the drought. This delightful change in weather has led to a significant increase in tourists flocking to this picturesque destination, eager to experience its breathtaking beauty and indulge in thrilling ski adventures.
In the famed ski resort of north Kashmir, Gulmarg, Russian tourist Andrew eagerly anticipated the long-awaited snowfall, yearning to ski on the slopes of Apharwat. After enduring over two months of dry weather, the recent snowfall transformed the landscape into a winter paradise, attracting adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
The absence of snow during the peak winter season left tourists disheartened, eagerly awaiting the transformation of the locale into a snowy haven. In late January, the snowfall finally came, eliciting joy from both residents and visitors alike.
Andrew, in his late 30s, expressed his delight at skiing in Gulmarg, appreciating the unique experience provided by its high mountains. Despite the delay caused by the prolonged dry weather, Andrew remained patient, exploring other destinations like Chandigarh, Shimla, and Dharamshala before finally arriving in Gulmarg on January 18.
Following Andrew’s lead, hundreds of tourists from India and abroad descended upon Gulmarg to embrace the tranquil atmosphere and enjoy quality time with their families amidst the snowy landscapes. With the fresh snowfall, tourists flocked to Gulmarg to experience the thrill of skiing down powdery slopes and marvel at the snow-covered mountains.
The two-month dry spell, including the harsh 40-day winter period known as Chilai-e-Kalan, led many tourists to delay or cancel their visits to the Valley. However, after the fresh snowfall, Gulmarg witnessed a significant influx of tourists, totaling 19,532 within just six days of February.
Rohit, a tourist from Madhya Pradesh, postponed his trip to Kashmir for two months due to the lack of snowfall. Upon hearing the news of fresh snow, he embarked on a tiring 24-hour car journey to Srinagar, describing Gulmarg as a heavenly and beautiful place.
Rohit’s sentiments were echoed by Deepanshi from Haryana, who waited nearly three months to fulfill her dream of visiting Kashmir. She expressed her joy and described the experience of playing in the snow as enchanting.
With the Khelo India Winter Games 2024 set to begin from February 21 to 25, tourism stakeholders anticipate a surge in visitor arrivals. Originally planned for Gulmarg, the lack of snow prompted the relocation of the games to Ladakh for the first time.
As the weatherman predicts another round of snowfall from February 18 to 20 across Jammu and Kashmir, the region remains poised to enchant visitors with its wintry charm.
Saturday, April 27, 2024
Saturday, April 27, 2024
