After a prolonged lull at the start of winter, Gulmarg has finally come alive. The season’s first major snowfall has triggered an unprecedented rush of tourists, bringing much-needed relief to local stakeholders and firmly re-establishing the resort as Kashmir’s winter showstopper.
The sudden surge in arrivals, however, also led to massive traffic congestion on Tuesday, with long jams reported on the Tangmarg–Gulmarg Road. Vehicles remained stranded for hours, particularly on the Chandilora-to-Gulmarg stretch, as tourists rushed to experience fresh snow on the slopes.
Traffic chaos amid tourist surge
Traffic Police personnel were deployed along the route and allowed vehicles to move in a staggered manner to ease congestion. Despite the jams, the festive mood among visitors remained upbeat, with many calling the snowfall worth the long wait.
Since the onset of winter, Gulmarg had witnessed comparatively low footfall, raising concerns among hoteliers, ponywalas, guides, shopkeepers, and others dependent on tourism. The latest snowfall, however, has dramatically reversed the trend, with tourist inflow rising sharply over the past week.
Hotels running at full capacity
Local hoteliers say the resort is now operating at peak capacity.
“All hotels are running on 100 percent occupancy. Almost all properties are fully booked till January 31,” said a hotel owner in Gulmarg.
The revival has brought visible relief across the hospitality sector, which was bracing for a weak winter season after a slow start.
Gulmarg Gondola sees record footfall
The renewed rush was also evident at the Gulmarg Gondola, one of Asia’s highest cable car projects. Long queues of tourists were seen waiting patiently to enjoy panoramic views of snow-clad peaks.
“On Monday and Tuesday, around 15,000 tourists enjoyed the Gondola ride. All hotels are fully occupied, and bookings are confirmed well beyond January,” said Tariq Ahmad, Chief Executive Officer of the Gulmarg Development Authority.
Tourists thrilled by winter magic
Visitors expressed excitement at witnessing Gulmarg in full winter glory.
“We came here specially to see how Gulmarg looks during snowfall. It is truly a lifetime experience,” said Ashish, a visiting tourist. “The pollution-free environment, scenic beauty, and snow-covered peaks are exactly what we were looking for.”
Call for better management as rush continues
While welcoming the tourism revival, local stakeholders urged the administration to strengthen traffic management, parking facilities, and public amenities to ensure a smooth experience during the peak winter period.
With more snowfall forecast and upcoming winter sports events, tourism players remain optimistic.
“The prediction of more snow and winter games is likely to further boost tourist footfall,” said Adil Ahmad, a local shopkeeper.
As peak winter unfolds, Gulmarg appears set for a strong comeback, reaffirming its reputation as Kashmir’s premier winter tourism destination.
FAQs
The season’s first major snowfall improved ski conditions and attracted large numbers of tourists.
Most hotels are fully booked, with near-100% occupancy reported till the end of January.
Heavy traffic congestion on the Tangmarg-Gulmarg road during peak arrival hours.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only. Tourism conditions, traffic movement, and weather may change based on local forecasts and administrative decisions. Visitors are advised to follow official updates and on-ground instructions.
