HM Desk
Kashmir’s tourism industry is witnessing many firsts this year despite security concerns.
Kashmir has been through a difficult time over the last few years. First, stringent security measures were imposed and communication channels snapped for many months after the Central government decided to end Jammu and Kashmir’s special constitutional status on August 5, 2019.
Then came the pandemic, and the flow of tourists came to a grinding halt during the months of the nationwide lockdown (it increased substantially thereafter). But today, Kashmir has already played host to a record number tourists in the first three months of the year, which are otherwise considered a lean period.
Many tourists are amused as shikarawallas in Kashmiri attire sing Pardesiyon Se Na Ankhiyan Milana, from the 1965 Shashi Kapoor-starrer Jab Jab Phool Khile, to recall the romance of the big screen with Kashmir.
Kashmir became a place of curiosity in the 1960s and ’70s when songs from movies like Junglee and Kashmir Ki Kalishowed spectacular images from the State, which went on to become iconic. From those days, spending a honeymoon in Kashmir became an aspiration for many middle-class families across the country.
During the winter, tourists thronging Kashmir to celebrate Christmas and New Year created a buzz in the Valley as all the tourist resorts, including Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonamarg, were sold out even before the celebrations could begin. The festivities ended on a high note as tourists started their New Year amid snow-clad mountains and peaks in the Valley.
Winter vacations are the perfect time to escape the smog-filled lanes of the city and head to more beautiful pastures. If you’re craving an unforgettable vacation this year, you should plan a trip to Kashmir to see the snowy peaks and valleys.
For the first time in 70 years, some of the most stunning tourist spots in Kashmir will remain open to tourists this winter, meaning you can explore these destinations in all their winter glory!
Through the years, most of the gorgeous scenic towns in Kashmir were closed down for visitors in the winter season due to harsh weather conditions and heavy snowfall. However, after almost 70 years, this year, the government will be keeping some of the most beautiful and picturesque destinations open for tourism!
Now there are adventure sports in these destinations to increase footfall and create a magical experience for visitors. It is believed that new ski slopes are being developed in snow-bound areas and these will be come with rather good connectivity.
Many of these towns are only open to tourists during the summer, but now, visitors can bask in the glory of snow-filled towns and beautiful slopes. It has also been reported that helicopter services will likely be introduced in these snow-bound areas in order to improve connectivity.
