Published on
December 26, 2025
For the first time since last week’s snowfall spell, winter tourism seems to have regained momentum in the famed ski resort in north Kashmir, Gulmarg. After a promising revival got a severe jolt in April last year in the Pahalgam attack, the snow-covered slopes and winter magic of Gulmarg once again welcomed tourists eager to experience its winter activities. Fresh snowfall gave a new lease on life, so to say, to the skiing, snowboarding, and winter holidays in this prime winter tourist destination of India.
Tourism Decline After Pahalgam Attack and Recovery in Gulmarg
The tourism industry in Kashmir suffered a major setback in the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack on April 22, when 26 people were killed. The incident led to widespread fear among travelers, resulting in a sharp decline in visitor numbers to Kashmir. As tour operators reported, around 100 bookings were canceled immediately following the attack. In response to the heightened security concerns, the government temporarily shut down 48 tourist destinations across the region, including key spots in the Valley. This led to a significant dip in winter tourism, which typically peaks during the December-January period.
However, with the arrival of fresh snowfall, Gulmarg has once again become a focal point for winter tourism in Kashmir. Tourism stakeholders are optimistic that the renewed interest in snow activities will drive recovery, particularly as the winter season continues.
Gulmarg Leads the Winter Tourism Recovery
Gulmarg appears to be leading the recovery in Kashmir’s winter tourism sector. The snowfall has played a key role in reviving interest among tourists, especially those eager to engage in skiing, snowboarding, and other snow-based activities. Hotels in Gulmarg are reporting a significant rise in occupancy rates, which had been sluggish due to the earlier security concerns. Mohammad Sharif, manager at Hotel Grand Mumtaz, noted that around 50-55% of hotel rooms were booked, a welcome shift after a slow start to the season. “This season was going slow, but snowfall has brought tourists back,” Sharif remarked. Enquiries and bookings surged after the fresh snowfall, showing how the winter tourism industry in Kashmir can rebound with the right conditions.
Tourist Sentiment: Snowfall Inspires Confidence
The snowfall has also instilled confidence in tourists who had previously been hesitant to visit Kashmir. Rahul Sharma, a tourist from Delhi, who had postponed his trip due to the prevailing situation, decided to visit Gulmarg after monitoring weather updates. “We were unsure earlier, but the snowfall and improved arrangements encouraged us to come,” Sharma said. For many, skiing and other winter sports are the main attractions of Gulmarg, and with the fresh snow enhancing the resort’s appeal, the area has witnessed a steady increase in foot traffic.
The Gulmarg Gondola, another popular attraction, has also seen a marked increase in tourist activity. Visitors, eager to enjoy the snow-capped mountains, can be seen waiting at terminals throughout the day. In response to the growing numbers, authorities have implemented additional systems to manage the surge in visitors and ensure smooth operations at the gondola.
Winter Tourism’s Economic Impact on Kashmir’s Recovery
Winter tourism plays a critical role in Kashmir’s economy, particularly in the cold months when snow-based tourism attracts domestic and international visitors. The fresh snowfall in Gulmarg has injected much-needed momentum into the region’s recovery efforts. Skiing, snow activities, and winter holidays are integral to the appeal of Gulmarg, drawing in both seasoned winter sports enthusiasts and families seeking a winter getaway.
Waseem Raja, Deputy Director of Tourism Kashmir, stated that the tourism department is actively working to sustain the momentum. Tourism officials, in partnership with other stakeholders, are organizing a series of events aimed at attracting more visitors and enhancing the winter experience in Kashmir. Raja is hopeful that as the winter season progresses, tourist arrivals will continue to increase, helping offset losses experienced earlier in the year due to security concerns.
Official Data and the Impact of the Pahalgam Attack
Official data for 2025 highlights the significant impact of the Pahalgam attack on tourism in Kashmir. While the first four months of the year saw strong arrivals, particularly in January, February, and March, the tourist footfall drastically dropped in May, with only 18,246 domestic visitors and 607 international tourists. This decline was a direct result of the attack and the subsequent fears it created. However, recovery began in the months following, and by July, Kashmir saw more than 98,000 domestic tourists and 1,172 international visitors, indicating a gradual return to normalcy.
The winter tourism surge in Gulmarg offers a positive outlook for the coming months, as stakeholders anticipate a further increase in arrivals during the peak winter season.
Snowfall-Driven Tourism: A Key Strategy for Sustained Growth
With peak winter still ahead, tourism officials and local businesses are relying on snowfall-driven tourism to offset losses incurred earlier in the year. The winter months have long been a cornerstone of Kashmir’s tourism industry, and the region is once again preparing to showcase its snow-covered landscapes, winter sports facilities, and charming resorts to attract tourists from across India and abroad.
Gulmarg’s Role in Kashmir’s Winter Tourism Revival
Fresh snowfall in Gulmarg has been a crucial ingredient in the recovery of Kashmir’s winter tourism. With the arrival of tourists improving, the stakeholders expect the tourism sector to continue on its road to recovery, buoyed by the natural winter appeal. The renewed interest in skiing, snowboarding, and winter activities was what placed Gulmarg in the key positions among the winter tourism landscape. As this season progresses, the region’s tourism economy will keep benefiting from the visitors who come seeking snow and, ultimately, help rejuvenate Kashmir’s tourism sector, ensuring that it will be successful in the long run.
