Heatwave drives tourists towards Kashmir’s offbeat destinations

Srinagar, May 19: As large parts of the country continue to reel under an intense heatwave, tourists are flocking to Kashmir’s offbeat destinations such as Razdan Top in Gurez, Tulail Valley, Bangus Valley and Sonamarg, seeking relief from soaring temperatures in the plains.
With temperatures crossing 45 degrees Celsius in several states tourists are thronging the Valley in large numbers.
At Razdan Top, the high-altitude mountain pass connecting Bandipora with Gurez Valley, tourists were seen enjoying fresh snow, an uncommon sight during the month of May.
“It feels unbelievable to see snow in May. We came from Delhi where temperatures are extremely high, and here we are playing in snow and wearing jackets,” said Rohan Sharma, a tourist from New Delhi visiting Gurez with his family.
Another tourist, Mehak Gupta from Punjab, said the weather in Kashmir was a “huge relief” from the scorching heat in the plains.
“We had seen videos of Razdan Top on social media, but witnessing snow here in May is completely different. The beauty of this place is unmatched,” she said.
Tourist movement has also increased in Sonamarg and Bangus Valley, where visitors are spending time near snow-covered peaks, streams and vast green pastures.
At Sonamarg, tourists were seen taking pony rides and enjoying the cool breeze along the Sindh stream.
“Back home in Rajasthan, it is impossible to step outside during daytime because of the heat. Kashmir’s weather is pleasant and refreshing,” said tourist Ankit Verma.
In north Kashmir’s Bangus Valley, known for its dense forests and sprawling meadows, tourists described the landscape as peaceful and untouched.
“The natural beauty of Bangus is extraordinary. It is less crowded and feels very close to nature,” said Sana Khan, a tourist from Mumbai.
Local tourism stakeholders said offbeat destinations in Kashmir were witnessing increased footfall this season as more tourists explored lesser-known locations beyond Srinagar and Gulmarg.
“Tourists are now looking for unexplored places. Gurez, Tulail and Bangus are attracting visitors because of their natural beauty, pleasant weather and peaceful atmosphere,” said local tourist guide Hilal Ahmad in Gurez.
Another guide in Sonamarg, Mushtaq Ahmed, said many tourists were extending their stays due to the cool weather conditions.
“People arriving from Delhi, Rajasthan and Punjab are enjoying the climate here. Many tourists are surprised to witness snow at Razdan Top during May,” he said.
Officials in the tourism sector said the recent weather conditions and social media promotion of offbeat destinations had contributed to the rise in tourist arrivals across the Valley. (KNO)