Srinagar, 20 October (H.S.): Tourist arrivals at Gulmarg,

the world-famous tourist destination in north Kashmir, have increased following

the first snowfall of the season, bringing cheer to hoteliers, pony operators

and tourist guides whose livelihoods depend on tourism.

Gulmarg has always been among the favourite destinations for

tourists visiting Kashmir. One of its major attractions is Asia’s longest and

highest cable car, which takes visitors to Kongdoori and the Apharwat hills,

offering them breathtaking views of snow-covered mountains.

With the first snowfall of the season last week, a large

number of tourists have begun visiting the Apharwat peak, located at an

altitude of over 14,000 feet above sea level. Tourists can be seen throwing

snow at one another and capturing memorable photographs.

Akib Chaya, Managing Director of Hilltop Group of Hotels and

president of the Gulmarg chapter of the Jammu and Kashmir Hoteliers Club, told

Hindusthan Samachar that tourist arrivals in Gulmarg had remained satisfactory

so far this year despite the tragic incident in Pahalgam last year.

“Tourist footfall in Gulmarg has increased further after the

first snowfall of the season. Every tourist is leaving the place happy,

carrying many memories with them,” he said.

Chaya expressed hope that tourist arrivals in Gulmarg would

increase further if the region received adequate snowfall this winter,

benefiting all stakeholders associated with tourism.

“It is encouraging that international tourists are also

visiting Gulmarg, and according to our information, advance bookings from such

tourists are continuing. We expect a good winter tourism season this time,” he

added.

Tariq Ahmad Khan, zonal coordinator for North India at the

Tour Operators Association of India (TOAI), told Hindusthan Samachar that the

first snowfall of the season had become a major attraction drawing tourists to

Kashmir.

He said hotel tariffs needed to be regulated so that

tourists visiting Kashmir on limited budgets could also afford to spend a night

or two in Gulmarg.

Khan said that in the past, most tourists visiting Kashmir

had relatively higher budgets. However, with the introduction of rail services,

tourists travelling on tighter budgets were also showing interest in visiting

the region. The Tourism Department, he said, could help such visitors enjoy

their stay by ensuring proper regulation.

“Kashmir is known for its excellent hospitality. If

overcharging for hotel rooms and vehicle rentals is curbed, more tourists will

visit the region,” he added.

A group of tourists enjoying the snowfall in Apharwat said

they felt fortunate to have visited Kashmir and witnessed snow in Gulmarg. They

said their visit had helped them understand why Kashmir is often described as

the crown of India.

“Kashmir is truly a paradise on earth, and we are witnessing

a glimpse of it here in Gulmarg. The beauty of this place is amazing. We urge

people to visit Kashmir to experience its beautiful autumn and winter

landscapes,” members of the group said.

They said playing in the snow and taking a ride on the

gondola had made their experience even more enjoyable.

“We are capturing every moment of our stay here on our

mobile phones and cameras. Being here has made the world seem even more

beautiful,” they said.

A woman tourist said this was not her first visit to

Kashmir, but she found the region more beautiful each time she returned.

She advised people planning to visit Kashmir during this

season to carry warm clothes.

“We advise those planning a trip to Kashmir during this

season to bring warm clothes. If you protect yourself from the cold, you will

be able to enjoy your trip even more,” she added.

Hindusthan Samachar / Zahoor Hassan Bhatt