Maryam Khaliq
SRINAGAR, DECEMBER 24: Gulmarg, one of Kashmir’s most popular winter destinations, is facing another year of late snowfall. While there has been a little snow so far, it is not enough to attract the large number of tourists that usually visit during the winter season. This delay is causing problems for locals who depend on tourism for their livelihood.
Guides, who help tourists with skiing and snowboarding, are struggling because fewer people are coming for these activities. “Without enough snow, tourists are not interested, and we lose our income,” said a local guide.
Hotel owners, shopkeepers, and taxi drivers are also affected. Fewer tourists mean fewer bookings and less business overall. Many families in Gulmarg depend on the winter season to earn enough for the entire year.
Jayesh Patel, a tourist from Gujarat, shared his thoughts: “Gulmarg is beautiful even without much snow, but I was hoping to experience thick snow-covered mountains. I’ll still tell my friends to visit this amazing place.”
Locals are trying to manage the situation and hope for more snowfall soon. Some suggest that Gulmarg should be promoted as a year-round destination, offering activities like trekking and sightseeing to attract visitors even when there is less snow.
As we wait for heavier snowfall, the people of Gulmarg remain hopeful. They are ready to welcome tourists and share the beauty of their paradise, no matter the season.