Rehan Qayoom Mir
Srinagar, Jan 29: The first blanket of snow this winter not just covered Kashmir’s peaks but has dusted off months of anxiety for those whose livelihoods depend on the rhythm of arriving footsteps and clinking tea-cups.
From Dal Lake to the slopes of Gulmarg, and Pahalgam to Sonamarg, the Valley’s tourism heartbeat is gaining momentum once again.
Qamar Sajad, the Director of Tourism Kashmir, said the turnaround of visitors reflects not just nature’s grace but the teamwork behind the industry’s revival.
“We are witnessing a steady rise in tourist footfall, and that is because everyone, from shikara operators to hoteliers and from the government to ground-level workers, has played their part,” he said. “This is not just about snowfall, but about the spirit of people who have worked tirelessly to make Kashmir shine. The government and stakeholders together have made tourism breathe again.”
On Dal Lake, the reflection of houseboats shines again as Manzoor Pakhtoon, Chairman of the Houseboat Owners Association Kashmir, said they are getting back on track.
“We are getting queries again,” said Pakhtoon with a smile. “After the recent snowfall and New Year rush, tourists have started showing interest. We expect a good summer season ahead if this continues.”
Mushtaq Chaya, Chairman of the J&K Hoteliers Club, said the hospitality sector is regaining its lost confidence.
“Over 70 per cent of hotels in Gulmarg and nearly 75 per cent in Sonamarg are booked. The snowfall has built trust again people are coming back in numbers,” Chaya said. “Visitors are focusing on Gulmarg, enjoying skiing and the snow rides. But we hope the government opens more destinations soon, so the benefits spread evenly.”
Bilal Ahmad, who runs a hotel, said the rush has surpassed expectations. “We have been full for two weeks now. Guests are waking up to the sight of snow-covered pine trees and calling it a dream. Many are extending their stays, and some do not want to leave at all.”
Adil Shah, who manages a resort, said tourists are rediscovering the calm of the snow-fed Lidder valley. “January is usually quiet for us, but this time, the snowfall changed everything. Families and people are slowly coming back. For us, that is the sound of life returning.”
Nissar Ahmad, a hotel owner in Sonamarg, said, “We used to wait for summer to see numbers. But now, our rooms are 70 per cent booked, and tourists are thrilled by the white landscape. They are calling it their best winter trip ever.”
He said the Sonamarg Tunnel has become a point of attraction for visitors as they are coming in good numbers to see it.
The people of Kashmir are once again welcoming strangers as friends with offering warmth, kahwa and stories. “When the snow returns, hope returns with it,” said an elderly shikara riding man with a smile. (KNO)
