Kashmir Valley Revives Tourism With Winter Festivals And Snowfall Amid New Year Celebrations

Published on December 31, 2025

Revival has been quite promising in the tourism sector across Kashmir Valley, and the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department is one of the main players in this revival. A dramatic decline in visitors after the Pahalgam terror attack was the cause of the turbulent period. The department is making a huge effort to bring back the Valley’s image as the top travel destination and even more so now that winter festivals are approaching and New Year celebration snow is expected.

Winter Festivals Bring Fresh Hope to Kashmir

As part of the recovery effort, the Tourism Department has organised an array of festive events, aiming to draw tourists back to the Valley’s picturesque winter landscape. The winter festival Jashne-E-Wandeh, held on the banks of the iconic Dal Lake, was a vibrant celebration of Kashmir’s rich cultural heritage. This event featured traditional shikara rides, a floating exhibition, and live music performances, all designed to highlight the unique charm of the region.

The festival’s aim is not only to entice visitors back to Kashmir but also to foster a message of peace and hospitality. The Director of Tourism, Syed Qamar Sajad, emphasised that the goal is to reassure tourists and invite them to experience the warm hospitality of the local residents. He noted that this festival, along with others planned across the Valley in popular destinations like Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonamarg, is designed to promote Kashmir as a lively and welcoming winter haven.

Tourists and Locals Embrace the Festivities

The winter festival attracted both tourists and locals alike, with many people gathered around the banks of Dal Lake enjoying the traditional music and festivities. Some visitors even joined the locals in dancing, further emphasising the vibrant atmosphere that the event brought to the area. The tourists, including families and individuals, were seen relishing the occasion and taking in the sights and sounds of Kashmir’s rich traditions.

Local residents also welcomed the festival, with many suggesting that similar events should be held in other districts to keep the Valley vibrant, even during the cold winter months. They expressed that winters in the region can often feel dull, and the festivals offer an opportunity to maintain a lively, celebratory atmosphere throughout the season.

The Kashmir Valley’s Chillai Kalan and Snowfall Forecast

Kashmir is currently in the midst of its harshest winter phase, known as Chillai Kalan. This 40-day period, which began on December 21, brings the coldest temperatures to the region and is a defining feature of the Valley’s winter season. During this time, the region typically experiences heavy snowfall and frigid temperatures.

The Meteorological Department (MeT) has forecasted light rain and snowfall during the New Year period, which could further boost the region’s tourism numbers. The forecast indicates that snowfall will be moderate in the middle and higher reaches of North and Central Kashmir, including popular destinations like Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Sonamarg.

According to MeT Srinagar, Generally cloudy with the possibility of light rain or snow at many places. Some middle and higher reaches of North and Central Kashmir may receive moderate snowfall. This weather pattern is expected to make the region even more appealing to winter sports enthusiasts and those seeking the beauty of a snowy, serene environment.

Tourist Arrivals Expected to Surge Over New Year

The anticipation of snowfall during the New Year celebrations is providing a much-needed boost to the tourism sector. Following the tragic events in Pahalgam and the subsequent decline in tourist arrivals, the Kashmir Valley has begun to see a gradual uptick in visitors. As of December 2025, around 55,000 tourists have already visited the region, and the numbers are expected to rise during the New Year period.

Kashmir’s popular tourist destinations are set to be bustling with visitors as the region celebrates the new year. Destinations such as Gulmarg, known for its world-class skiing facilities, and Pahalgam, famous for its scenic beauty, are expected to witness the highest footfall. Similarly, Sonamarg, often referred to as the Meadow of Gold, is another popular spot that is sure to attract winter holidaymakers.

The efforts made by the Tourism Department to host these winter festivals, alongside the potential for fresh snowfall, are expected to help the region reclaim its position as a must-visit destination for winter tourism. The combination of natural beauty, snow-covered landscapes, and a vibrant cultural calendar offers the perfect opportunity for both adventure seekers and those looking for a peaceful winter retreat.

Looking Ahead: A Hopeful Future for Kashmir’s Tourism

While challenges remain, the successful execution of events like Jashne-E-Wandeh and the anticipated snowfall represent significant steps toward restoring the tourism sector in Kashmir. The enthusiasm displayed by tourists and the local population alike serves as a hopeful sign that the Valley is on the path to recovery.

The Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department is committed to continuing its efforts to revitalise the region’s tourism industry. With the support of the local community and the enthusiasm of returning visitors, the Kashmir Valley is poised for a gradual resurgence, transforming the chilling winter months into an exciting season for tourists to explore the region’s natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.

Bottom Line

To sum up, the Kashmir Valley’s festivals to welcome the winter season along with the possibility of snow have been significantly contributing to the resurgence of tourism. The region’s New Year celebrations are around the corner and the local people together with the visitors are looking forward to an unforgettable winter season in one of the most beautiful places in India.