The season's first major snowfall has blanketed Kashmir's iconic tourist destinations, igniting excitement among visitors and fueling optimism for a winter tourism rebound after setbacks from the Pahalgam terror attack and the Delhi blast.
Light to moderate snow dusted higher reaches across the Valley, including the ski haven of Gulmarg in north Kashmir, the scenic Sonamarg in central Kashmir, and Pahalgam in south Kashmir. Gulmarg received about 6 inches of fresh snow, transforming its meadows, pine forests, and gondola slopes into a winter wonderland, while Sonamarg and Pahalgam saw 4-5 inches, drawing crowds despite sub-zero temperatures.
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Snow began falling early Monday morning in Gulmarg, intensifying by afternoon to cloak rooftops, roads, and the famous golf course in pristine white. Tourists, many on their first snow trip, flooded the slopes for photos, snowmen, and impromptu snowball fights, with the gondola cable car area buzzing amid panoramic views of snow-capped peaks.
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"It feels like stepping into a Bollywood dream," said Abhijeet, a tourist, beaming as he captured the scene. "We timed our trip perfectly—Gulmarg has delivered magic beyond expectations."
Some foreign skiers, enjoying in Gulmarg, said, "This fresh powder signals world-class slopes ahead. Gulmarg's natural terrain is unbeatable."
Local stakeholders hailed the snow as a tourism lifeline. "Bookings are surging, especially for the January skiing season," said Gulmarg hotelier Mukhtar Shah. "Post-Pahalgam, this is the boost we needed—roads like NH44 are clear, and security is tight."
The snowfall revives hopes after a challenging year, with the Valley's tourism sector eyeing 20-30% winter growth per early Jammu & Kashmir Tourism Department data. As evening lights twinkled off the snow, the festive vibe underscored Gulmarg's enduring allure as Kashmir's winter jewel.