Gulmarg Hits 100% Occupancy as Sonamarg Sees Record Footfall
TAUSEEF AHMAD
SRINAGAR, Jan 30: The season’s first major snowfall has ushered in a tourism boom across Kashmir, transforming the Valley into a pristine winter wonderland and triggering a sharp surge in visitor arrivals. Popular tourist destinations, particularly Gulmarg and Sonamarg, have witnessed an unprecedented rush, with hotel occupancy in Gulmarg touching a full 100 percent and Sonamarg nearing 70 percent, officials said on Thursday.
Fresh layers of snow blanketing meadows, forests and mountains have drawn tourists from across the country, including Gujarat, Punjab, Maharashtra, Delhi and several southern states. Many visitors are arriving specifically to experience Kashmir’s famed winter offerings such as skiing, snowboarding, snow trekking and the iconic Gulmarg gondola ride, one of the highest cable cars in the world.
Tourism department figures reveal a strong start to the winter season. Sonamarg alone recorded more than 87,000 visitors between January 1 and January 27, including over 77,000 domestic tourists and more than 1,200 foreign travellers. Officials said the numbers indicate one of the most promising winter tourism spells in recent years, reflecting growing confidence among travellers.
“After the snowfall, hotel occupancy in Gulmarg has reached 100 percent. Tourists are pouring in from every corner of the country, especially for winter sports,” an official of the Gulmarg Development Authority said. The official, however, urged visitors to strictly adhere to safety advisories, cautioning against venturing outside designated ski tracks due to the risk of avalanches in certain zones.
Tourists have been effusive in their praise for the Valley’s winter charm. “There is no comparison with Gulmarg. The slopes, the gondola ride and the warmth of the local people make it truly feel like heaven on earth,” said Khushboo, a skier from Gujarat, while speaking to Kashmir Despatch.
Improved connectivity has played a crucial role in sustaining tourist inflow despite harsh winter conditions. With snowfall often disrupting road and air traffic, the Vande Bharat Express connecting Kashmir with the rest of the country has emerged as a vital lifeline, enabling tourists to reach the Valley even during adverse weather.
Tour operators and hoteliers say the rail service has significantly reduced cancellations and boosted traveller confidence. “Earlier, heavy snowfall meant isolation and uncertainty. Now, the Vande Bharat train has ensured a steady flow of tourists even during peak winter,” said a Srinagar-based hotelier.
Highlighting the government’s efforts to strengthen tourism infrastructure, MLA Gulmarg Farooq Shah said the region has rapidly emerged as one of India’s premier winter destinations. “We have installed Asia’s longest drag lift, revived the historic golf course, upgraded sanitation facilities, inaugurated a convention centre and improved road and rail connectivity,” he said.
Shah noted that tourism is the backbone of the local economy, supporting the livelihoods of nearly 70 percent of residents in upper Tangmarg and Gulmarg. “From tourist guides and hotel staff to transporters, ponywalas and snow-scooter operators, thousands of families depend directly on tourism,” he said.
Emphasising sustainable development, the MLA said steps are being taken to reduce environmental stress on Gulmarg. “There are only around 800 hotel rooms in Gulmarg. To prevent ecological damage, we are developing tourism infrastructure in surrounding areas of Tangmarg. Additionally, around 80,000 trees have been planted this year to safeguard our fragile ecosystem,” he added.
Meanwhile, authorities have cautioned tourists to remain vigilant after a minor avalanche was reported recently, though no casualties were recorded. Tourism stakeholders have also raised concerns regarding sporadic power outages and the need for consistent road maintenance during snowfall.
Despite these challenges, officials remain optimistic. “The early surge in tourist arrivals, improved connectivity and focused promotion indicate a strong revival of winter tourism in Kashmir,” a senior tourism department official said, expressing hope that the season will continue to draw visitors in large numbers.
