Kashmir’s winter tourism has gained a fresh boost as Sonamarg, located in Ganderbal, successfully hosted a grand New Year’s Eve festival, turning the region into a vibrant winter destination.
For many years, Sonamarg used to remain closed during winter because of heavy snowfall, avalanches, lack of road connectivity, and limited basic facilities. The road from Gagangeer to Sonamarg often became unsafe, forcing authorities to shut the area for months.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
However, the situation has changed in recent years after the inauguration of the Sonamarg tunnel by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Since then, authorities have worked to keep Sonamarg open for a longer winter period by improving infrastructure, including regular electricity and water supply.
People celebrating summer vacation
Ahead of the New Year, several meetings were held with the district administration, Sonamarg Development Authority, and local stakeholders such as hoteliers and traders to review preparations for winter activities and celebrations.
On Wednesday, the Tourism Department, Sonamarg Development Authority, and Ganderbal district administration, with support from local hoteliers and other stakeholders, organised the New Year celebration. A large number of tourists and locals gathered to enjoy music and cultural programmes.
Surrounded by snow-covered peaks and facing sub-zero temperatures, Sonamarg bid farewell to 2025 and welcomed 2026 with great enthusiasm. Visitors and locals praised the administration for effective promotion and publicity, which has helped Sonamarg grow as a winter retreat.
A massive rush of tourists was seen on New Year’s Eve. Acting on the directions of SSP Ganderbal Khalil Ahmad Poswal, police at Gund, along with CRPF and Traffic Police under SHO Rayees Ahmad, carried out strict vehicle checking at the Sonamarg tunnel entrance and managed traffic smoothly to ensure safe movement.
Local residents, hoteliers, and people linked with tourism expressed happiness and gratitude to the administration for keeping Sonamarg open during winter and organising the festival, saying it would greatly promote winter tourism.
Fresh snowfall has proved to be a turning point for Kashmir’s tourism revival. Sonamarg has turned into a winter wonderland, attracting huge crowds for New Year celebrations. Hotels reported almost full occupancy, with many completely booked.
Long queues of tourist vehicles stretched for kilometres, while tea stalls and food outlets remained crowded. Visitors were seen enjoying the scenic beauty and snow activities.
Many tourists who had arrived hoping to see snowfall were delighted to experience live snowfall. Anjali, a tourist from Gujarat, said, “I am here, and it’s snowing. My dream has come true. I planned to spend New Year here just to see snowfall, and it finally happened.”
You Might Also Like:
Al-Tilmeez: A Pioneering Arabic Literary Journal from Jammu and Kashmir
Professor Mufti Abdul Ghani Azhari: Scholar, Sufi, Historian, and Social Reformer of Kashmir
Mirwaiz Mohammad Ahmad son of Mufasir-e-Quran Moulana Mohammad Yousuf Shah Dies in Islamabad