Kashmir Tourism

Kashmir Tourism

Tourism Directorate Appoints Nodal Officers for Winter Tourist Assistance in Kashmir

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Nodal Officers for Kashmir

In order to ensure seamless assistance and support to tourists visiting Kashmir during the ensuing winter season, the Directorate of Tourism Kashmir today nominated officers and officials as Nodal Officers for various areas.

The officers shall coordinate and oversee the efforts to ensure hassle free movement and stay of tourists and to respond to any exigency/ issue being faced by the tourists.

The Nodal Officers shall work under the overall supervision of Dr. S.D Chowdary, Deputy Director Tourism, Enforcement (SSP), (9797066007).

Malik Waseem, Deputy Director Tourism (7006856600) shall oversee South Kashmir while Nasir Mehmood Khan, Deputy Director Tourism (9622669777) will manage North Kashmir and Abid Iqbal, Deputy Director Tourism, (7006707274) will supervise grievances and assistance of tourists in Central Kashmir.

The Nodal Officers shall closely liaise with the concerned resort officers and concerned District Administrations/Departments for timely resolution of issues.

Furthermore, Resort Officers and Tourist police personnel shall remain available for rendering all the necessary assistance to the tourists visiting the areas during the winter season.

Assistant Director Tourism Gulmarg, Tahir Mohi U Din (7006759980) along with Syed Rafi, SI Tourist Police (9419003753) for Gulmarg.

Assistant Director Tourism Pahalgam Jahid Azad (7006245981) along with Mushtaq Ahmad, SI Tourist Police (7889342088) for Pahalgam.

Tourist Officer, Mudasir Mushtaq (9906906115) Kokernag/Achabal/ Daksum along with Mushtaq Ahmad, HC Tourist Police (6005434129) for Kokernag and Muneera, LHC Tourist Police (9797872546) for Achabal.

Shafqat Ahmad Itoo, Assistant Tourist Officer (7006823575) for Doodhpathri; while Basharat Hussain, Assistant Tourist Officer (9018679626) along with Fayaz Ahmad, ASI Tourist Police (9149729678) for Sonamarg.

Meanwhile, a Control Room has also been constituted at Tourist Reception Centre (TRC), Srinagar, to provide seamless assistance to tourists and respond to emergencies during this period.

Officers and officials deployed at the Control Room include Nisar Rasool, Assistant Director Tourism (9906663868); Azad Yaseen, Assistant Tourist Officer (7006146562); Gowhar Raffiee, Assistant Tourist Officer (7006580763); Sidharth Sathoo, Receptionist (7889727957); Rahul Pandita, Receptionist (7006389514); Vishant Pandita, Receptionist (7298506506); Zahida Parveen, and Abdul Rashid Bhat.

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Gulmarg Attracts Tourists for New Year with Snowy Landscapes and Winter Sports

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Gulmarg Attracts Tourists for New Year

The resort town of Gulmarg, located in the Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir, continues to attract large numbers of tourists for the New Year season.

Known for its snow-capped peaks and scenic landscapes, Gulmarg remains a popular destination for winter activities such as skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing.

While the Jammu and Kashmir tourism department has decided not to organise any official events to mark the New Year due to the seven-day national mourning following the death of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, the resort still sees many visitors enjoying the natural beauty and outdoor activities.

One of the tourists, Kamani Singla, who came to Gulmarg from Punjab for the first time, said that she saw snow for the first time in her life and that the region feels like a paradise.

“It is a paradise. We have come for the first time, and our experience is very good. Best experience. We had seen snow for the first time and also saw this heavy snowfall for the first time here,” she said.

Another tourist, Sonu said that Kashmir is really a paradise, and it was a lot of fun visiting Gulmarg and enjoying the new year.

“Kashmir is really a paradise. Coming to Gulmarg and enjoying the new year is a lot of fun,” he said.

The place also has the Gulmarg Gondola, one of the highest cable cars in the world, which provides views of the surrounding mountains, adding to the appeal of the destination.

Bilal Ahmed, who operates slides and sledges in the region, said, “Many tourists came on the occasion of New Year and on the occasion of Christmas, and we are very happy with that because the public’s employment here is going well. We are also very happy that local tourism will get a lot of benefits here.”

The local accommodations, including hotels, resorts, and guesthouses, are now getting filled with visitors. The region’s local cuisine and hospitality further contribute to the experience. (ANI)

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Gulmarg Sees Tourist Surge Amid Snowfall, Gulmarg Fully Booked for New Year

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, Gulmarg Fully Booked for New Year

Following the recent snowfall in the Kashmir Valley, the world-renowned tourist destination of Gulmarg is witnessing a significant surge in visitors. As the New Year approaches, numerous tourists have made hotel reservations to ring in the festivities amidst the picturesque snow-covered landscapes of the region.
Khushi, a tourist from Mumbai, spoke with Rising Kashmir about her first-ever visit to the Kashmir Valley. She mentioned that they had also explored Srinagar and Pahalgam.
“We had always heard of Kashmir being a paradise on Earth, but seeing it with our own eyes was beyond our expectations. It’s even more stunning than the pictures and social media posts we’ve seen,” said Khushi. The family also visited the frozen waters at Drung and plans to spend the night in Gulmarg, having made their hotel reservations in advance.
Nurpur, a tourist from Dehradun, Uttarakhand, shared her admiration for Kashmir’s beauty and the warmth of its people. “Kashmir is one of the most beautiful places on Earth, and I feel fortunate to experience it during our lifetime. The locals are incredibly helpful. When we got stranded in Sonmarg after Friday’s snowfall, the villagers from Gund in Ganderbal district kindly offered us free accommodation and meals in their homes,” she said.
Nurpur also praised the famous hospitality of the Kashmir Valley, noting that locals extended support to other tourists stranded due to road closures caused by the snow. “I came with my husband and two children. It was our first time experiencing snowfall, and we’re grateful for the chance to enjoy this unique moment,” she added.
The rise in tourism is evident, especially in Gulmarg, where the number of tourists from other Indian states is growing. Many are choosing to celebrate the New Year in the region, enjoying both the snowfall and the holiday ambiance.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Gulmarg Development Authority (GDA), Tariq Ahmad, confirmed the surge in tourist activity. “There has been a marked increase in the number of visitors, and all hotels in Gulmarg are fully booked. The frozen waters at Drung in Tangmarg have become a major attraction, drawing large crowds,” he said.
In a bid to ensure safety amidst the winter conditions, the Baramulla Police have issued a directive mandating that all vehicles traveling to Gulmarg must be equipped with anti-skid snow chains. This regulation applies to all vehicles, including 4X4s. Vehicles without these snow chains will be prohibited from entering the area. The move aims to safeguard both tourists and the local population in light of the recent heavy snowfall.
Tourists are advised to adhere to the new safety measures while traveling to the picturesque hill station, ensuring a safe and enjoyable visit to one of Kashmir’s most iconic destinations.

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CEO of Gulmarg Development Authority (GDA) Tours Gulmarg, inaugurates Winter Sports Season

Kashmir Tourism

CEO of Gulmarg Development Authority (GDA) Tours Gulmarg, inaugurates Winter Sports Season

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Gulmarg Development Authority

CEO of Gulmarg Development Authority (GDA), accompanied by the SDPO, Executive Officer (MC), SHO Gulmarg, and officials from JK Cable Car Corporation, GDA, Tourism Department, Municipal Committee, and Tourist Police, conducted an extensive tour of Gulmarg, Gondola, and Kongdoori.
During the inspection, the CEO emphasized the importance of maintaining discipline and providing hassle-free services to visiting tourists.He directed all stakeholders and service providers to adhere to these principles and instructed the concerned line departments to prevent unregistered vendors and hawkers from operating in Gulmarg, thereby avoiding the creation of a “fish market” environment.
Later, the CEO officially inaugurated the winter sports season in Gulmarg, marking the beginning of an exciting period for tourists and sports enthusiasts.(KNS)

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Nine Tourists including Women and Children Rescued After Heavy Snowfall in Tourist Resort Doodpathri Budgam

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Nine Tourists

Nine tourists, including women and children, were rescued after being stranded at the tourist resort Doodpathri in central Kashmir’s Budgam, following unexpected heavy snowfall in the area.

The sudden dip in temperature and accumulation of snow left the visitors unable to leave the tourist resort. The Tourism Department, along with the Doodpathri Development Authority, promptly intervened to provide heating arrangements, sleeping bags, and hot meals, ensuring the tourists’ safety and comfort.

Reyaz Ahmad, CEO, Doodpathri Development Authority told the news agency KNT that the weather forecast did not predict such a heavy snowfall, which caught many tourists and vehicles off guard. “The administration quickly mobilized to accommodate the stranded visitors in various hotels.”Tourists expressed gratitude for the timely assistance and care provided during the ordeal.

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Department of Tourism, Jammu & Kashmir Tourism Unveils Thrilling New Year Celebrations at Patnitop, Bhaderwah, and Sanasar

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New Year Celebrations

The Jammu & Kashmir Tourism Department has unveiled plans for New Year celebrations at Patnitop, Bhaderwah and Sanasar. Designed to highlight the region’s rich cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes and thrilling adventure opportunities, these events promise an unforgettable experience for visitors.

In Bhaderwah, festivities will be held from December 29 to 31 in collaboration with the District Administration Doda and Bhaderwah Development Authority. Highlights include the illumination of Bhaderwah Fort, cultural performances and regional cuisine stalls. Adventure activities at Guldanda, such as skiing, sledging, zorbing, snow cycling, zip-lining and hot air ballooning, will cater to thrill-seekers. The celebrations will conclude at Bhaderwah Bus Stand with cultural showcases and celebrity performances.

Patnitop and Sanasar, in partnership with the District Administrations of Udhampur and Ramban and the Patnitop Development Authority, will host events on December 31. Sanasar will feature DJ music, bonfires, horse races and scenic selfie stations. At Patnitop, attractions include celebrity performances, folk dances, live music, an ethnic food bazaar and winter sports like skiing and sledging. Snow-covered landscapes and festive decor will enhance the experience.

Director, Tourism Jammu, Vikas Gupta emphasised the department’s goal of establishing these destinations as premier winter getaways blending adventure, culture, and nature. “These celebrations aim to provide visitors with an immersive experience that highlights the region’s traditions and landscapes,” he said.

Joint Director, Tourism Jammu, Sunaina Sharma Mehta, highlighted the region’s untapped potential. “These events showcase our breathtaking landscapes and cultural richness while offering adventure activities. We warmly invite everyone to celebrate the festive season with us,” she added.

The Tourism Department invites all to join these celebrations and welcome the New Year amidst the region’s scenic beauty and vibrant culture.

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Over ₹5 Billion Spent Under Swadesh Darshan Scheme on Tourism projects in J&K: GoI

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Gajendra Singh Shekhawat

 Union Minister for Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on Tuesday informed the Lok Sabha that over ₹500 crore has been spent on tourism development projects in Jammu and Kashmir under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme.

He said ₹528.58 crore was allocated for seven tourism projects aimed at developing key destinations across the Himalayan circuit in Jammu and Kashmir. He added that all these projects have been completed to boost the tourism infrastructure and potential of UT.

He said the projects include the development of tourist facilities in Jammu, Srinagar, Pahalgam, Anantnag, Kargil, and Leh. He also mentioned improvements in iconic destinations like Gulmarg, Baramulla, Kupwara, and Rajouri to enhance the local tourism economy.

The Minister said additional work involved restoring tourism assets damaged during the 2014 floods, carried out under the Prime Minister’s Development Package.

He said the ministry regularly reviews the progress of these projects and addresses infrastructure and land-related issues.

The Minister advised local administrations to focus on sustainable tourism, public-private partnerships, and long-term maintenance of assets created under the scheme.

He also said that the revamped Swadesh Darshan 2.0 scheme emphasizes sustainable and responsible tourism.

He concluded by saying ₹36.90 crore has been allocated for eco-tourism and cultural heritage projects in Leh and Kargil to ensure public participation and environmental preservation.

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Tourists Pour into Kashmir as Valley Enveloped by Autumn Bliss, Attracting Tourists From Across the World

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Autumn Bliss

Huge number of tourists poured into Kashmir to catch a glimpse of the autumn scene as the valley is painted all yellow for the season.

The autumn season is in full swing in Jammu and Kashmir’s Srinagar valley, attracting tourists from across the world to witness the stunning natural beauty of the valley.

The Mughal Gardens, including Nishat, Shalimar, Harwan and Chashmashahi, have become major tourist destinations, with tourists thronging to enjoy the picturesque views created by golden-brown Chinar leaves.

Autumn is also known as ‘Harud’ in the local language which signifies the season of fog with different colors in the air. The maple leaves of the majestic Chinar trees change from green to golden brown during this season, which always attracts nature lovers.

Tourists, both domestic and foreign, are enjoying the natural beauty and creating lasting memories under the shade of tall Chinar trees.

Sahiba, a tourist from Delhi, said it was her first time visiting Kashmir and that she loved the valley’s weather and scenery.

“I liked the weather here. The weather and scenery is beautiful. People who haven’t visited Kashmir yet are missing out on a lot. They should come here as soon as possible and experience the beauty and meet the locals. We have come here for the first time and it was wonderful,” she told ANI.

Farah, a local student, also praised the autumn beauty of the valley.

“We call this the golden season, and there is a unique beauty in Kashmir during this time. With so many tourists visiting, we thought we should also visit,” she told ANI.

Tourism plays a significant role in preserving Kashmir’s rich cultural heritage. As visitors immerse themselves in the local traditions, arts, and crafts, there is a renewed appreciation for the region’s cultural legacy. This appreciation encourages the preservation of ancestral skills and practices, benefiting local artisans and artisans’ communities.

The rise in tourism also promotes small-scale businesses, such as handicrafts, local cuisine, and transportation services, contributing to the overall development of the region. (ANI)

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Sciacca Marco Italian Tourist Detaines for Questioning in J-K’s Kathua

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tourist

 A 41-year-old Italian tourist was detained for questioning after he was found moving on a bicycle near the International Border in Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir on Friday, security officials said.

The foreigner, identified as Sciacca Marco from Torino in Italy, had arrived in India from Pakistan through Wagah border in Punjab on October 10, the officials said.He was found cycling alone on Baniyari-Chakra road in Marheen border area of Rajbagh sector before he was detained by security forces on a border party duty, they said.

Marco had visited Pakistan, China and Afghanistan before entering India and reached Jammu, the officials said, adding that he was later released.

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Kashmir Tourism Soars: Over 2,628509 Tourists, Including 35,254 International Visitors, Mark 2024 as a Milestone Year

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Nodal Officers for Kashmir

The Kashmir Valley has seen an extraordinary boom in tourism this year, drawing over 2.6 million visitors from January 1 to September 30, 2024. Statistics provided by the Tourism Department reveal a total of 2,628,509 tourists, including 35,254 international travellers, illustrating the region’s rising appeal on the global tourism stage.

Monthly visitor data shows a steady rise: January brought in 199,398 visitors, including 2,167 from overseas. February saw 176,134 tourists, with 6,559 of them being foreigners. In March, the count reached 226,726, and April experienced a boost with 288,398 tourists, of whom 7,348 were international.

This upward trend continued in May, which saw 297,173 visitors, including 2,802 from abroad. June saw even greater numbers, with 378,022 total tourists, including 3,119 foreigners. July witnessed a record-breaking 526,465 arrivals, including 2,740 international visitors. August followed with 339,539 tourists, while September recorded 196,654 visitors, 3,446 of whom were foreigners.

A tourism official noted an uptick in domestic travellers exploring lesser-known areas of Kashmir, a change not previously observed at this scale.

This surge in tourism is a promising sign for Kashmir’s economy, significantly benefiting local hotels, small businesses, and travel operators. Government officials remain positive about Kashmir’s tourism prospects and are actively working to improve infrastructure to accommodate the growing numbers of visitors.

Officials attribute this tourism boom to several key factors. The highly successful G20 Tourism Meeting held in Srinagar earlier this year showcased Kashmir’s potential as a global tourist hub, sparking increased interest from travellers. Notably, the last two months have seen a marked increase in visitors following the G20 event.

Adding to this momentum, the Legends League Cricket tournament, also recently held in Srinagar, has further enhanced the region’s tourism prospects. Officials anticipate that this trend will continue, especially as winter approaches, drawing travellers eager to enjoy Kashmir’s snow-based activities.

Kashmir’s newfound popularity as a premier tourist destination reflects the government’s robust efforts to develop and promote tourism. The warm reception from international visitors highlights the success of these initiatives, demonstrating Kashmir’s appeal as an exceptional travel destination.(Department of Tourism J&K)

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