Tourists return to Kashmir as fresh snowfall ends two-month dry spell

Light snowfall in the higher reaches of Kashmir ended a nearly two-month-long dry spell in the valley, leading to a significant rise in tourists on January 25-26. Reports of snowfall came in from various areas, including Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonmarg, Gurez, Macchil, Karnah Doodpathri, and Shopian, with intermittent snowfall continuing.

While there was slight drizzle in parts of Srinagar city before dawn, it was followed by bright sunshine. Srinagar recorded a minimum temperature of minus 0.5 degrees Celsius, marking a three-degree increase from the previous night. Other areas, including Pahalgam, Qazigund, and Gulmarg, also experienced temperature variations with the onset of the fresh snowfall.

According to the Greater Kashmir, tourists were seen reveling in the picturesque winter wonderland of Daksum along the historic Mughal Road, capturing moments snow fights and tourists sledding on fresh snow carpets.

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Heerpora, the last village on the Shopian side, witnessed around 3 to 4 inches of snowfall, transforming the entire area. This marked the second occurrence of snow since the onset of winter, drawing tourists from Orissa, Punjab, Gujarat and NCR.

However, tourists couldn't venture beyond Heerpora as authorities had closed the Mughal Road due to substantial snowfall at Peer Ki Gali mountain. Some tourists cancelled their return tickets after finding out about the change in weather. After the season's first snow in November, tourists started to pour in. But, when it stopped snowing in mid and end-December, some tourists cancelled their hotel bookings. Moreover, road closures dampened spirits.

Meanwhile, tourists flocked to Sinthan Top in Anantnag district, but overnight snowfall prompted authorities to restrict access beyond the a scenic Daksum along the route to Sinthan Top. Daksum turned captivating with its panoramic views of snow-capped mountains and lofty pine trees.