Though snow is a major attraction for tourists during winter in Kashmir but so for no major snowfall has been witnessed in plains of Kashmir valley. Though few feet snow has been witnessed at major tourist destinations Pahalgam, Gulmarg and Sonamarg in Kashmir but no snow in plans reduces the excitement both among the tourists and as well as hoteliers in Kashmir. Snow would most likely redouble the excitement and attract huge inflow of tourists if witnessed a day or two before the new year celebrations in Kashmir and as such much depends on a major snowfall a day or before the new year celebrations on 31st December this year as usual. While irrefutable fact is that snow makes Kashmir the major attraction of adventure tourism for the tourist from both within and outside the country, the tourism department has geared up for winter tourism well in advance this year. Since the tourism department has kept tourist destinations like Sonmarg, Karnah and Gurez also open for winter tourism for the first time this year, the expectations of a major tourist footfall after a huge tourist footfall last summer are running high at almost all the ski resorts of Kashmir valley. As the Government has also announced the operation of helicopter services to Sonmarg and Gurez for the first time this winter, the enthusiasm among the tourists would mostly likely boost the winter tourism at these tourist destinations also this winter. Temperatures have already dropped to below freezing points and major snowfall if witnessed in a couple of days would surely add to probabilities and possibilities of huge attractions on the eve of New Year celebrations at top ski resorts like Gulmarg and Pahalgam.
- Knowing that skiing is a major adventure tourism activity in case of a good snow season at top ski resorts of Kashmir Valley, the Government has kept ready a schedule for launch of adventure sports activities at top ski tourist destinations Gulmarg and Pahalgam. initiatives can give a massive boost to Jammu and Kashmir’s tourism. Since the strength of the economy of Jammu & Kashmir lies in growth and expansion of tourist industry, introducing winter tourism at the destinations which used to remain closed during winter season so for could further the purposes of changing Jammu & Kashmir into an all weather tourist destination .
Since preparations are in full swing for winter tourism at almost all the tourist destinations in Kashmir this winter, the weather in coming days is likely to play the role of a game changer for the tourist stake holders of Kashmir this winter. Knowing that skiing is a major adventure tourism activity in case of a good snow season at top ski resorts of Kashmir Valley, the Government has kept ready a schedule for launch of adventure sports activities at top ski tourist destinations Gulmarg and Pahalgam. initiatives can give a massive boost to Jammu and Kashmir’s tourism. Since the strength of the economy of Jammu & Kashmir lies in growth and expansion of tourist industry, introducing winter tourism at the destinations which used to remain closed during winter season so for could further the purposes of changing Jammu & Kashmir into an all weather tourist destination.
