Kashmir Rings In The New Year with Hope As Tourists Return
Gulmarg, Sonmarg, Pahalgam & Srinagar glow with festivities; hotels near full as visitors move past recent Pahalgam scare
Our Special Correspondent
Srinagar: As the year draws to a close, Kashmir is welcoming the New Year on a note of renewed optimism, with its famed tourist destinations — Gulmarg, Sonmarg, Pahalgam and Srinagar — wearing a festive look and buzzing with visitors from across the country.
Snow-laden slopes in Gulmarg, the serene white expanse of Sonmarg, pine-fringed Pahalgam and the glowing houseboats of Dal Lake have been beautifully illuminated for New Year’s Eve, creating a postcard-perfect setting.
Hotels, resorts, guesthouses and houseboats are decked up, while special cultural programmes, winter cuisine and celebration nights have been arranged for tourists.
After a brief lull following the recent Pahalgam shocker, tourists have returned in large numbers, restoring momentum to the winter tourism season. The steady inflow over the past week has eased concerns within the tourism fraternity and reinforced confidence in Kashmir as a safe and sought-after winter destination.
An official from the Tourism Department said the response ahead of New Year has been encouraging.
“Tourists are arriving in large numbers to celebrate New Year in Kashmir. Occupancy levels in Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Srinagar have shown a sharp rise, and we expect a further surge over the next few days,” the official said, adding that all arrangements related to safety, traffic management and tourist facilitation have been strengthened.
Tour operators say the festive rush has brought much-needed relief after weeks of uncertainty.
“Cancellations that followed the Pahalgam incident have almost stopped. Many tourists who had postponed their trips are now arriving, especially families and young travellers keen to experience snowfall and New Year celebrations,” said a leading tour operator from Srinagar.
Hotel owners in Gulmarg reported near-full occupancy, with demand spilling over to adjoining areas.
“Rooms are packed, ski activities are in full swing and tourists are excited. The New Year weekend has revived business sentiments,” a hotelier said.
Houseboat owners on Dal Lake also expressed optimism. “This season is turning out to be better than expected. New Year bookings have given us hope after a slow start, and tourists are enjoying the calm and beauty of Srinagar,” said a houseboat operator.
With bonfires crackling, lights reflecting on lakes and visitors soaking in Kashmir’s winter charm, the Valley appears set to bid farewell to the year with resilience — and welcome the New Year with renewed faith in tourism’s revival.
