Suhail Khan
SONMARAG, Feb 9: After the igloo cafe, claimed to be the world’s largest, the snow Horse-cart at Central Kashmir’s Sonamarg has become the latest attraction for tourists in the Kashmir valley.
Following a prolonged dry spell, the recent snowfall in Kashmir has sparked hope for a revival in the valley’s tourism and business sectors. The industry was feeling battered over the last couple of months in the absence of a good snowfall, with many intending tourists canceling their bookings and tour operators receiving little to no queries.
The recent snowfall not only increased the rush of tourists at the famous health resort Gulmarg but Sonamarg too is witnessing a massive rush of tourists, with more importantly the snow horse-cart making waves as a new attraction for tourists.
Prashant, a tourist from Pune, told The Kashmir Despatch that he came to Sonamarg along with his family and it’s really great to see the snow horse-cart here. He said we clicked pictures, though it’s not completed yet, but it was really something which attracted us to visit and to click pictures for our memories.
He while appreciated the efforts of the makers said that they have great skills, and indeed it will be an opportunity for tourists to come here to click pictures so that it will attract more tourists here.
Ankit Makane, a part of a 15-member tourist group from Mumbai, expressed his delight at the snow horse-cart in Sonamarg. He described the experience as feeling like heaven and emphasized the beauty of Kashmir and the warmth of the people there. He mentioned that their group had a wonderful time and that the snow horse-cart added to their enjoyable memories of the trip.
Tariq Ahmad, one among the group of snow horse-cart makers, told Kashmir Despatch that people may think it’s easy to make, but it needs a lot of effort and energy. He said since days, we are collecting snow to set up the snow horse-cart. He also thanked Ganderbal authorities for their support and cooperation in making something good for the attraction of tourists in the world-famous health resort Sonamarg.
Meanwhile, reports reaching Kashmir Despatch said that hundreds of tourists were seen taking selfies in front of the sculpture, with some of them sharing videos with their friends and relatives.
For the first time ever, Sonamarg, a popular tourist destination in Kashmir, has started welcoming tourists during the winter season.
In a groundbreaking move, the Sonamarg Development Authority (SDA) partnered with the Ice-Skating Association of UT J&K to organize an unprecedented Ice-Skating Camp, signifying a significant achievement in the region’s tourism industry.
