The tourism industry in Kashmir has been battered over the last couple of months due to the lack of snowfall. Many tourists cancelled their bookings, and tour operators received few to no inquiries. However, the recent snowfall at the end of Chilla-i-Kalan, a 40-day harsh winter period when the chances of snowfall are highest, has brought much-needed cheer to both tourists and tourism stakeholders.
Tourists overjoyed by the snowfall
Hundreds of tourists, including children, have been enjoying the snowfall at Gulmarg and Sonamarg resorts.
“We had booked tickets for January 23, but we postponed our journey after checking the forecast,” said Aninda and Deotima, a tourist couple from Kolkata. “We arrived on January 25 and were lucky to see the snowfall. We experienced snowfall first in Sonamarg and then in Gulmarg as well. We are so thrilled to be here.”
Mohammad Imran, a tourist from Nagpur in Maharashtra, said he returned to Gulmarg after the snowfall.
“Two days back, there was nothing and the ground looked empty,” he said. “By the grace of God, now there is snow and we feel great to be here. When we heard there was snowfall in Gulmarg, we came back from Srinagar.”
Aryan, a young tourist from Bangalore who came to Kashmir with his parents and sister, said it was a great feeling.
“It feels so good,” he said. “It looks like heaven.”
Snowfall brings relief to local tourism players
The snowfall has not only cheered up tourists but has also sparked joy among local tourism players.
“We thank God for the snow,” said Parvaiz Ahmad, a local tourism service provider in Gulmarg. “We feel very happy because it will not only increase tourism but is vital for our sustenance.”
Abdul Rashid, another stakeholder, said the livelihoods of private service providers were affected due to the prolonged dry spell over the last two months, but the snowfall has come as a blessing.
“For the past two months, there was not much work,” he said. “With the snowfall, the tourist arrivals have increased, and the snow-related activities have started.”
Authorities issue advisories for tourists and locals
In the absence of snowfall at popular tourist spots like Sonamarg and Gulmarg, tourists used to flock to places like Sinthan Top connecting Anantnag district with Kishtwar, which remains covered under snow for most of the year.
Meanwhile, authorities have issued advisories to tourists and locals visiting places like Sonamarg and Gulmarg. They have said that only 4X4 vehicles and those with anti-skid chains would be allowed to travel towards Gulmarg and Sonamarg due to slippery conditions in the wake of snowfall.
The Meteorological Department has forecast a possibility of light to moderate rain or snow at many places in the Union Territory with chances of heavy snowfall over a few higher reaches in the next two days.
