Gulmarg Glitters: Fresh Snowfall Revives Kashmir’s Winter Tourism
By: Javid Amin | 30 December 2025
Western Disturbance paints higher reaches white; mercury dips below freezing in Gulmarg and Pahalgam, bringing relief after an unusually warm winter.
A White Turn in an Unusually Warm Winter
After weeks of anxious waiting, Kashmir’s higher reaches have finally turned white. A fresh spell of snowfall, triggered by a Western Disturbance, swept across Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and parts of the Valley, transforming brown slopes into shimmering winter landscapes.
The snowfall comes as a timely relief for Kashmir’s tourism sector, which had been grappling with an unusually warm and dry December. With New Year celebrations approaching, the sudden change in weather has not only altered the scenery but also revived confidence across the tourism ecosystem—from hoteliers and ski operators to local guides and transporters.
For many in Kashmir, snow is not just a weather event; it is an economic lifeline.
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Gulmarg Glitters Again: Snow Returns to India’s Ski Capital
In Gulmarg, Kashmir’s most celebrated winter destination, the snowfall was greeted with visible excitement. The resort town, known globally for its natural powder snow, was blanketed overnight as temperatures dipped below the freezing point.
The iconic Apharwat slopes and surrounding meadows now wear a pristine white cover, restoring Gulmarg’s identity as India’s premier ski destination.
What the Snow Means for Gulmarg
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Tourism revival: Hotels reported a sharp surge in bookings within hours of snowfall updates circulating on social media.
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Adventure sports restart: Ski schools, snowboard instructors, and equipment rental shops reopened operations, gearing up for peak season.
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Local livelihoods: Pony operators, photographers, porters, and shopkeepers welcomed tourists back after a sluggish start to winter.
“Snow is our lifeline. Without it, Gulmarg loses its soul. This snowfall has revived our entire season,” said a local ski instructor, watching tourists queue up near the Gondola.
The Gulmarg Gondola, one of the highest cable cars in the world, has once again become the focal point for visitors eager to witness the snow-clad Himalayas from above.
Pahalgam Freezes, Yet Welcomes Visitors with Open Arms
Further south, Pahalgam—often described as Kashmir’s most serene valley town—also experienced a significant temperature drop, with mercury settling below freezing.
The Lidder Valley, along with surrounding areas such as Aru and Betaab Valley, turned into a quiet winter wonderland, offering a softer and more intimate snow experience compared to Gulmarg.
Winter Experiences in Pahalgam
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Family holidays: Children enjoyed snowball fights and sledging along riverbanks.
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Honeymoon tourism: Couples checked into cozy resorts, enjoying candlelit dinners against snow-draped backdrops.
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Solo and slow travelers: Backpackers explored snow-covered trails, capturing the valley’s understated winter beauty.
Hoteliers in Pahalgam reported a sudden spike in inquiries, with many tourists extending their stays to enjoy the rare winter charm that had been missing earlier this season.
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Snowfall Touches the Valley, Srinagar Sees Frosty Charm
While the heaviest snowfall remained confined to higher reaches, parts of the Valley, including outskirts of Srinagar, witnessed light snowfall and frost.
Dal Lake shimmered under a thin icy layer, and the Mughal Gardens took on a muted winter glow as visitors wandered through pathways wrapped in woolens.
Valley-Wide Observations
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Road connectivity: Routes to higher altitudes required snow clearance, but major roads remained largely functional.
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Air traffic: Srinagar Airport continued operations with minor delays.
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Urban life: Cold intensified, but daily routines continued with winter preparedness already in place.
Meteorologists noted that December had been unusually warm, delaying snowfall and raising concerns about long-term climate patterns in the region.
Tourism Revival: Early Indicators Show Positive Momentum
The fresh snowfall has had an immediate psychological and economic impact on Kashmir’s tourism sector.
Tourism Revival at a Glance
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Hotel occupancy: Bookings in Gulmarg reportedly rose by nearly 40% within 48 hours of snowfall.
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Air traffic: Srinagar Airport handled over 35 lakh passengers in 2025, despite weather-related disruptions.
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Local economy: Handicraft sellers, taxi operators, guides, and restaurant owners reported renewed activity.
Tourism stakeholders say the snowfall has reset the narrative just in time for New Year, Republic Day, and late-winter travel.
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An Unusual Winter Raises Climate Questions
While the snow has been welcomed, experts caution against overlooking the broader context.
Environmental observers point out that:
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Snowfall patterns are becoming increasingly erratic.
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Warmer winters disrupt traditional tourism cycles.
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Over-dependence on snow-based tourism raises sustainability concerns.
The Road Ahead
Experts stress the need for:
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Eco-sensitive tourism planning
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Responsible waste management in snow zones
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Sustainable adventure tourism practices
The balance between economic revival and environmental responsibility remains delicate.
Cultural and Spiritual Dimensions of Snowfall
Snowfall in Kashmir also adds a cultural and spiritual layer to winter life. Pilgrims visiting shrines across Jammu and Kashmir often combine spiritual journeys with leisure trips to Gulmarg or Pahalgam.
This blending of devotion and discovery is a defining feature of Kashmir’s winter tourism—where sacred routes and scenic landscapes coexist.
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New Year Magic: Kashmir Prepares to Welcome 2025 in White
The timing of the snowfall could not have been more symbolic. As the New Year approaches, Kashmir is preparing for:
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Snow carnivals in Gulmarg
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Cultural evenings and houseboat stays in Srinagar
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Winter treks and snow walks in Pahalgam and Sonamarg
Tour operators expect a strong inflow of tourists, calling this snowfall a turning point after weeks of uncertainty.
Editorial Summary
A Western Disturbance has painted Kashmir’s higher reaches white, restoring winter’s long-awaited presence in Gulmarg and Pahalgam. Amid an unusually warm season, the fresh snowfall has revived tourism hopes, lowered temperatures below freezing, and reawakened the Valley’s snow-bound charm.
As Kashmir steps into the New Year, the Valley once again lives up to its reputation—not just as a destination, but as a snow paradise shaped by resilience, beauty, and balance.
