Kashmir has been called a heaven on Earth and during the winter months, Kashmir presents itself to the world as one of the most beautiful sights to behold. As the temperature drops and snow starts to cover the mountains, valleys& rooftops, a picturesque sight greets everyone with their eyes. Green meadows are covered in white, trees are covered in snow, & mountains look like wonderful paintings. For tourists coming from various parts of the world to Kashmir, witnessing the snowfall in Kashmir becomes more than a vacation; it is a dream that many have been cherishing for years now. Over the years winter tourism has slowly become an integral part of the tourism industry in Kashmir. Thousands of people visit Kashmir in winters to experience snowfall, enjoy winter games, learn about local culture, & relax in the natural environment of the valley. Apart from the beauty of Kashmir winter tourism also generates jobs for locals.
While talking about winter tourism in Kashmir one cannot ignore the name of Gulmarg. Bounded on all sides by the snow covered mountains and lush green trees, Gulmarg assumes significance for winter tourism purposes. One can enjoy spectacular sights of the Himalayas in the gondola journey of Gulmarg, along with skiing in its slope that is visited by adventure lovers throughout the world. Playing in snow, sledging & enjoying on skis make Gulmarg a special place for the travelers belonging to family groups & young age groups. The professionals get exciting moments while the beginners learn the art from the expert instructors here. But Gulmarg is not important only for tourism. Hotels, travel agencies, shops, restaurant keepers & owners of ponies all gain due to tourists visiting Gulmarg.
Even though Gulmarg remains a winter spot Kashmir has many other places that deserve notice. I have visited Pahalgam &it’s lovely valleys & snow covered hills give an escape from hectic city life. Sonamarg shows mountain views but winter travel may be limited by heavy snow and bad roads. Srinagar shows its charm when the weather cools. Dal Lake, houseboats, Mughal gardens & historic neighbourhoods give visitors a new taste of Kashmir. A shikara ride, a cup of Kashmiri kehwa & the sight of snow tipped peaks can make a winter trip unforgettable. Places over North Kashmir also have great tourism potential. The scenery around Baramulla, Kupwara & other highlands invites nature trips, cultural discovery & careful winter travel. With roads safety plans & more promotion many more spots could enjoy the rising interest, in Kashmir’s winter splendor.
The rural areas of Kashmir look like a different world during the winter months, when fresh snows blanket the entire landscape. Picturesque villages surrounded by tall pines and apple orchards beckon fairy tales. In winter the entire scene changes. The rooftops & field paths & open fields of Kashmir are completely covered by the soft fluffy covering of snow. The tranquility of the season is only marred by the gentle sound of flakes falling from the sky& the steam rising from the chimneys of the village homes. People love to escape the freezing temperatures by warming themselves over Kangris (a traditional way of warming oneself in Kashmir) & fireplaces. Children play in the snow making snowmen and enjoying the winter wonderland. The winter sun reflects off the mountain peaks making the countryside a postcard picture, giving people an escape from the urban, noisy & crowded world. Heavy snows bring challenges for the Kashmiris, like blocked roads & freezing temperatures, but winter has its own special charm for people of Kashmir. Kashmir in winter reminds us that nature is its own greatest artist & has the ability to make ordinary scenes look extraordinary. The magic of nature cannot be put into words; you must see it to believe it.
Tourism isn’t just about sightseeing. For countless people, it means livelihood. The decrease in sightseeing during the winter months negatively impacts the local economy. The fact remains that to earn a livelihood locals need to engage in other activities along with tourism. Local handicrafts, dry fruits, & other Kashmiri specialties can be marketed through tourism. People from all over the world come to a certain region and take back more than just pictures. They take back memories of a people, food& way of life. From the perspective of providing employment to the youth, winter tourism is far better than summer tourism. Youth can work as adventure sport instructors& provide transport &home stay services.
The writer is a Researcher & Strategist from J&K& can be reached at maajaazfaisal7860@gmail.com
