Although the valley has generally seen an unseasonably mild winter this year, Gulmarg has managed to attract a consistent flow of visitors by showcasing its many different facets and experiences in winter.
Although it is reasonable to be concerned about the lack of snowfall in Srinagar, it has inadvertently drawn attention to Gulmarg’s exceptional geographic location.
As you ascend up the mountain, you will see how the landscape changes from a lush meadow of flowers to one that is continuously blanketed with snow from Kongdori and the vast cliffs of Apharwat Peak.
The gondola, one of the highest cable cars in the world, transports excited tourists from the green-brown terrain of the base to the sparkling pristine beauty of the summit.
The view from the top of Apharwat is unbelievable; an endless stretch of white powder beneath a bright blue sky. This is postcard material.
Skiers and snowboarders of all levels of skill are enjoying the abundant amount of snow on the slopes.
The snow at this altitude is very good for skiing and snowboarding, offering great runs, as well as professional ski training facilities.
In addition to skiing or snowboarding, tourists are enjoying tobogganing, building snowmen, and soaking up the beautiful scenery surrounding them.
The beauty of returning to a wooden chalet after spending a day enjoying the snowy environment, the culture of hospitality that is prevalent in Kashmir, along with the clean air in the high elevations of the Himalayas, is still as attractive today as it was back in the early years of this region.
The development and use of a robust tourism platform is not the result of a compromise, but rather a testament to the inherent strengths of Gulmarg as a destination.
Gulmarg operates under a tourism model that is not solely reliant on the prevailing winter climate of the valley; it can offer visitors a winter experience by providing high-quality experiences for both snow and non-snow based guests.
This model allows visitors to experience many different types of activities. For example, visitors could experience staying in the culturally rich but lower elevation area of Srinagar and then visiting the beautiful, wintery area of Gulmarg for an exciting day of skiing or riding on the mountain.
The continuing influx of tourists to Gulmarg represents a strong vote of confidence for Gulmarg as a world-class destination. Visitors who have visited Gulmarg can see how long-lasting the appeal of this beautiful area remains to them, and they can appreciate that an authentic experience can be found in this area.
The growth of tourism within Gulmarg also reaffirms the importance of developing a tourism platform that is sustainable and respects the fragile beauty of this incredible ecosystem.
