The winter chill has arrived in the Valley once again, bringing the hopes of increasing footfall of tourists at different places of Kashmir, especially the prominent ski-resort, Gulmarg, where a huge rush of people is being witnessed every year, especially in the sports events, being organized by the government in every winter. The place has already witnessed a massive rush of tourists this year so far as the government has informed that more than nine lakh tourists have enjoyed the Gondola ride at Gulmarg this year and the figure is expected to cross more than million mark by the end of this year. Gandola—a cable car project, is one among the attractions at Gulmarg, which is possibly India’s most popular ropeway, and at a height of 14,000 ft, it is Asia’s highest operating cable car. Similarly, the hoteliers and the tourism players at another picturesque place, Sonamarg are jubilant and expecting a good footfall of tourists this winter as the government has decided to keep the place open for the public in the winter period, which was being closed for vehicular movement otherwise. Sonamarg is quite synonymous to Gulmarg and can be promoted as the second winter tourist resort in the Valley, which would not only increase the footfall of tourists, but also help in generating the economy and ensure livelihood to the hoteliers and tourism players throughout the year. In this regard, skiing and other sports events must be organized at Sonamarg this winter so that the flow of tourists can be tackled easily and the promotion of the picturesque place is also done in the grand events.
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