Kashmir tourism is on thin ice amid a second straight snowless winter
Subscribe to enjoy similar stories. Srinagar: For centuries, Srinagar, also known as ‘the Venice of the East’, has been famed for its snowy landscapes, serene Dal Lake, and iconic shikaras. However, snow has now deserted the region for two winters in a row, crippling its tourism-dependent economy.
The Kashmir Valley is in the grip of Chillai Kalan, the local name for a 40-day period of harsh winter that sees sub-zero temperatures. The Jammu & Kashmir meteorological department has predicted dry weather will persist until the end of the month. That tourists hoping to see Kashmir blanketed in snow have been left disappointed for a second straight year is no small matter, since tourism contributes 8.47% of its GDP, according to government data.
Even Gulmarg, known as India’s ‘winter wonderland’ and one of the country’s premier skiing destinations, is experiencing a second straight snowless winter, leaving tourists and skiers from around the world disheartened. Like last year, Gulmarg’s bowl-shaped valley is covered in dry mud, resulting in a significant drop in visitors. Hoteliers have been unable to set up ‘igloo cafes’ to attract tourists to the town, one of Asia's highest ski resorts.
Those in the tourism industry, who rely on visitors for their livelihoods, are deeply concerned about this year’s prolonged dry spell. Last year the winter season was completely snowless until February, resulting in empty hotels, barren ski slopes, and quiet markets. Faizan Arif, an independent weather forecaster in Kashmir, said, “Last winter, a prolonged dry spell severely impacted hoteliers, travel agents and houseboat owners, highlighting how crucial consistent snowfall is for the region's winter tourism industry." Farhat Naik, a
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