What sets Gulmarg apart, however, is its unparalleled snowfall, transforming it into a winter wonderland. On Saturday, several regions in the higher reaches of Jammu and Kashmir received new snowfall, while the plains were soaked with rain.
Gulmarg Receives Fresh Snowfall
In Snow!#HeevanRetreatGulmarg#Gulmarg pic.twitter.com/TpiKfaPGpz
— Asif Iqbal Burza (@aiburza) March 2, 2024
The allure of Gulmarg lies primarily in its extraordinary snowfall. There have been reports of new snowfall in the Bandipora district’s Gurez Valley and Gulmarg, both in Baramulla, north Kashmir. Reports state that the snow started to fall on Friday night. In the meantime, rain has been falling intermittently since Friday morning in lower locations like Srinagar. A three-day wet spell is expected to begin tonight, according to the meteorological department’s forecast.
While there were sporadic light rains in Kashmir’s plains, including Srinagar, there was the possibility of heavy to extremely heavy snowfall in some areas, particularly in the higher regions of north and south Kashmir, as well as the Pir Panjal range in the Jammu division from late March 1 to late March 2. Gulmarg received 38.1 cms (about 1.3 feet) of snowfall.
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Tourist Booms In Gulmarg
It’s heavily snowing here #Gulmarg pic.twitter.com/GPoKcMwgts
— Farhat Naik (@Farhat_naik_) March 1, 2024
Moreover, the tourist boom in Gulmarg has provided a much-needed economic stimulus to the region. The large increase in visitor traffic, combined with a 20-30 per cent increase in bookings, provides a ray of optimism for Gulmarg’s tourism industry. During the dry weather in November, December, and January, ski businesses were struggling, with only a meagre 10% of the normal activity. The recent snowfall has sparked the curiosity of travellers, and seen an increase in reservations as tourists eagerly enjoy the magical winter experiences Gulmarg has to offer. Responsible tourism initiatives can play a vital role in safeguarding Gulmarg’s fragile ecosystem while promoting inclusive growth and development.
Because of the severe snowfall forecast in some locations, visitors and tourists should plan their trips accordingly. However, they must adhere to administration and traffic police advice. The general public in hilly areas is advised not to venture into avalanche-prone areas and to follow avalanche warnings and advisory messages. Landslides, mudslides, and shooting stones are also a possibility in certain areas.
Cover image credits: X/Omar Abdullah; Canva