Kashmir receives seasons first major snowfall - In pictures
Major snowfall
The ski destination of the Kashmir region, Gulmarg, and parts of Sonamarg received more than a foot of snowfall. Sadhna top and Machil in Kupwara have received 1.5ft and 4 inches of snowfall respectively, and Dawar Gurez in Bandipora district has about 3 inches of snowfall. The tourists in the Gulmarg Ski resort were seen enjoying the snow and considering themselves lucky to witness the season's first snowfall.
Extremely low temperatures
With the snowfall, the temperatures in the valley have dropped as well. Srinagar recorded a low of 4.2°C temperature while Gulmarg recorded a low of minus 4.5°C.
Tourism boom
The tourist stakeholders in the valley are extremely joyous over the first snowfall of the season as it attracts a lot of tourists from across the globe to the valley. All hotels and guest houses in Gulmarg are completely booked with tourists.
More events to follow
Government is also planning ski events this year in Pahalgam and Sonmarg too. Earlier only Gulmarg used to host the Ski tournaments. The government is expecting that there would be record breaking tourist arrival in the valley this winter.
Special offers for tourists
The tourism department of Jammu and Kashmir has geared up for the winter tourism. Government is planning special offers and discounts for tourists coming to the valley around Christmas and new year's. There would be snow and winter festivals held at various hill stations like Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonmarg.
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