Gulmarg Transforms Into A Snowy Paradise As Tourists Flock To Witness Winter's Arrival

Despite temperatures plummeting to a below-normal minus 8 degrees Celsius, the snow-laden landscape hasn't deterred enthusiasts eager to revel in the wintry spectacle. Anurag Singh, a tourist hailing from Rajasthan, expressed his enchantment, remarking, "This is sheer heaven. I've never witnessed snow before, and it's an utterly mesmerizing experience. I'm reluctant to leave. I'll definitely urge all my friends to visit; this place is an unparalleled beauty."

The onset of this season's initial snowfall heralds the commencement of Gulmarg's transformation into a winter wonderland. Renowned not only for its snow-clad panoramas but also for the Gulmarg gondola cable car, ferrying tourists to the staggering heights of Kongdori at 11,000 feet and Aparwath Peak at 14,550 feet—the highest cable car elevation. The queues for the cable car ride remain extensive, offering an unforgettable view of Gulmarg and its snow-capped mountains.

Arpita, another visitor, expressed her delight, stating, "The gondola cable car ride was an incredible experience, and here at Aparwath, it's a stunning snow wonderland. I've never witnessed such beauty before; it's the best time of my life."

Awaiting another snowfall, the Aparwath and Kongdori peaks anticipate their transformation into a hub for winter adventure sports. With wild skiing slopes and powdery snow, Gulmarg stands as the world's premier ski destination. International as well as national skiers have already secured accommodations in anticipation of the forthcoming winter sports season, which includes skiing, snowboarding, snow rugby, and various other snow-based games.

The snowfall has brought joy not just to tourists but also to the locals, especially those affiliated with the tourism industry, as snow remains the primary draw for tourists and skiing enthusiasts. "With the onset of snowfall, our workload surges significantly. The influx of tourists means more work for us. I work as a tourist guide, and each passing day sees a rise in tourist numbers. We anticipate a greater influx in the forthcoming winter," Sared Ajaz, a Tourist Guide.

Tourism stands as the backbone of Jammu & Kashmir's economy, with this year's summer and autumn tourism already breaking records. Government data indicates that tourist arrivals surpassed the 20 million mark, an all-time high since independence. Similar expectations are now pinned on winter tourism, with Gulmarg experiencing full bookings until the first week of the new year. People have already secured accommodations, eagerly anticipating celebrating a white Christmas and New Year in Gulmarg. Apart from Gulmarg, other locations such as Sonamarg, Pahalgam, and Doodhpathri are also gearing up to cater to winter tourists.