Ishtiyaq Kar

Gulmarag, Dec 08 (KINS): Gulmarg, Kashmir’s top winter tourist spot, has still not received any major snowfall this season, leaving many visitors upset as they had come hoping to see the famous snow-covered slopes.

Gulmarg usually turns white by early December, but this year the weather has remained dry, delaying the snow that tourists eagerly wait for.

Many travellers who spoke to news agency Kashmir Indepth News Service (KINS) said they had planned their trip months in advance to enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and gondola rides over snowy mountains. “We came from Mumbai expecting to see snow everywhere, but there’s none. We were really excited for the winter feel,” said one tourist. Another visitor from Delhi said it felt strange to see Gulmarg’s meadows without their usual snow blanket.

Even though snowfall has been delayed, the Gulmarg Development Authority (GDA) has carried out several improvement works to make the destination more visitor-friendly.

Officials said they upgraded pathways, improved sanitation, added better lighting, and strengthened tourist assistance services to ensure a comfortable experience.

Hotel owners in Gulmarg remain hopeful despite the slow start to the winter season.

They told KINS that advance bookings for New year (January) are already strong, showing that tourists expect Gulmarg to receive good snowfall in the beginning of the year.“We have received good bookings for the month. One heavy snowfall can change everything here,” said a hotel manager, adding that winter tourism in Kashmir has always bounced back quickly.

Weather experts say there may be chances of snowfall later this month. For now, even without snow, tourists are enjoying gondola rides, scenic views, and the fresh mountain air.

Authorities, locals, and tourists all hope that the coming days will bring the much-awaited snowfall and turn Gulmarg back into the beautiful white winter destination it is famous for.(KINS)