A much-awaited spell of snowfall at most popular tourist sites in the Kashmir Valley on Sunday brought cheer and joy to tourists as well as stakeholders in the tourism sector. The wet weather also ended a prolonged and alarming dry spell in Kashmir.
The tourism ‘golden triangle’ of Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Sonamarg recorded approximately two to five inches of snowfall throughout Sunday (December 21, 2025). Tourists were mesmerised by a thick, white blanket of snow, setting the stage for Christmas and New Year celebrations, and winter sports in the Valley.
The beautification of St. Mary’s Church in Gulmarg, built in 1902, is underway, officials said. Hundreds of tourists arrive every year for Christmas and New Year celebrations at Gulmarg.
The prolonged dry spell has threatened skiing at Gulmarg, a distinction earned for its Alps-like powder snow. “In the past few years, the number of ski days at the winter destination of Gulmarg has fallen because of scant snowfall. However, the fresh snow will allow ski enthusiasts from India and abroad to pick up the high-adrenaline sport once again,” Khawar Javaid, a skier, said.
The Indian Institute of Skiing and Mountaineering in Gulmarg, has registered several batches of skiers from across the country this winter. Officials in Gulmarg expected an increase in footfalls of foreign tourists after snowfall.
Jalaal Jeelani, an adventure sports enthusiast, said fresh snowfall has finally graced Gulmarg and lifted spirits after the worrying dry spell. “Winter is the backbone of adventure tourism and sustainable livelihoods. Snow is the fuel that keeps hotels alive, guides and pony-men employed, the gondola rides buzzing, and local markets breathing through the harsh months,” Mr. Jeelani said, adding that snowfall in the upper reaches and surrounding mountains brought immense relief and joy not just to Gulmarg, but to communities dependent on tourism across the Kashmir Valley.
Scores of tourists were seen playing in the snow and making reels for social media platforms at Gulmarg’s Apharwat and Kongdori stations, at an altitude of about 4,390 metres. Sonamarg also saw enthusiastic tourists enjoying the snowfall.
“Snowfall gives a fairyland look to the landscape. I am witnessing snowfall for the first time and it was a memorable experience,” Kavita Sharma, a tourist from Delhi, said.
Tourism in Kashmir took a hit in April following the terror attack at Pahalgam’s Baisaran meadow in which 26 tourists were killed. The incident halved the tourist footfall this year in Kashmir, which hosted a record 26 lakh tourists in 2024. Security was upgraded at Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Sonamarg following the attack. Additional security measures were put in place after a security audit, including more checkpoints and bunkers.
The fresh snowfall in Kashmir also took place on the first day of Chillai Kalan, a 40-day harsh spell of winter. The day is also observed as ‘Pheran Day’ to celebrate the traditional woollen robes worn by locals during winters.
Fifteen flights were cancelled due to inclement weather at the Srinagar airport. The Srinagar Meteorological Department predicted light snowfall in some parts of the Valley on Monday (December 22, 2025).