Kashmir marked the end of 2025 and welcomed New Year 2026 with celebrations at major tourist destinations, including Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonamarg. As the clock struck midnight on Wednesday, tourists and local youth gathered at snow-covered spots amid fresh snowfall to welcome the New Year.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
Special programmes were organised in hotel halls and open areas across all three resorts. Music events featuring local, national and western performances were held, and large crowds were seen celebrating in their own ways.
According to KNS, Gulmarg witnessed a heavy rush of tourists. Visitors from different parts of India and abroad enjoyed the snowfall and winter views. Many tourists said seeing snowfall all around during New Year was a rare and memorable experience, while some shared that celebrating New Year in Gulmarg had been a long-time dream.
Tourists also praised the Gulmarg Gondola, calling it a unique ride offering wide views of snow-covered landscapes.
Meanwhile, the Winter Carnival was inaugurated in Gulmarg by Farooq Ahmad Shah along with senior Tourism Department officials. The carnival includes snow cricket, skiing, music programmes and displays of local art, highlighting Kashmir’s culture and winter traditions.
Tourism officials said tourism in Kashmir has started to recover after a short slowdown. The Director Tourism said infrastructure is being improved and new steps are being taken to ensure smooth travel for visitors. He added that focus is on safety, better services and sustainable tourism, and appealed to people across the country to visit Kashmir.
In south Kashmir’s Pahalgam, the Winter Festival has raised hopes for tourism revival. A clear increase in tourist numbers and local participation was seen during the New Year celebrations.
Pahalgam had faced serious economic challenges after the April 22, 2025 terror attack, which brought tourism to a halt and affected hotels, transport operators, tour guides, pony owners, artisans and shopkeepers. Officials said the Winter Festival 2025 aims to rebuild confidence and show that Pahalgam is a safe tourist destination.
Cultural programmes, Kashmiri music, handicraft exhibitions, traditional winter food and recreational activities helped revive business. Hotel bookings improved, transport demand increased and local products recorded better sales.
Tourism stakeholders said such events, if organised regularly, can gradually restore tourism. Experts noted that while festivals alone cannot fully revive tourism, they are an important first step when supported by long-term planning.
Pahalgam Development Authority CEO Mir Nasrullah Hilal said efforts are underway to promote tourism, and plans are in place to organise a Snow Festival to attract more visitors. He added that showcasing local culture increases tourist interest.
President of the Pony Owners Association, Abdul Waheed Wani, said pony owners lost their livelihoods for months after the Baisaran attack. He said tourist arrivals have increased after the Winter Festival, but restrictions on pony movement at some locations are affecting income. Around 1,200 registered pony owners depend on tourism in Pahalgam.
Tourists, however, said fear cannot stop their desire to visit Kashmir. A woman tourist celebrating New Year in Pahalgam said that worries disappear after reaching Kashmir, adding that the welcoming people, peaceful atmosphere and natural beauty make visitors want to stay longer.
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