Gulmarg witnesses sub-zero temperatures at nights and for most of the year the Afarwat peak.
Highlights
- Gulmarg is covered with a white blanket of snow
- 'Heaven on earth', 'Plan to return', say tourists
- Protests across Kashmir had taken a toll on tourism since July
Tourism is making a comeback in Kashmir after a major slump due to the nearly five-month unrest and shutdown since the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist Burhan Wani.
Gulmarg is perhaps the most beautiful place at the moment, covered with a white blanket of snow and drawing tourists even from abroad. This is that time when Gulmarg is at its most breathtaking.
The season's first snow has covered the slopes.
Among the tourists visiting Gulmarg is a group of South Africans who have come to Kashmir for the first time. "This is absolutely beautiful. Heaven on Earth, like Switzerland... Indian Switzerland," said Fario Insaf, who has come with his family of four.
Gulmarg witnesses sub-zero temperatures at nights and for most of the year the Afarwat peak, at a height of over 13,000 feet, remains covered in snow. It is accessible only through gondolas which pass through these mountains for a 5 km stretch.
The visiting tourists said the gondola ride was "unforgettable". The unrest and shutdown in Kashmir has not dampened their enthusiasm.
"We plan to return to Kashmir next year. The situation in Kashmir was bad for some time, but that does not matter. We ask everybody to visit Kashmir, the atmosphere is very good here," said a group of tourists who came from Bihar to enjoy the sight of the snow-clad Himalayas.
The violent protests across Kashmir had taken a toll on tourism since Burhan Wani's death in July. Nearly 100 people were killed and more than 12,000 were injured in the clashes between the crowds and security forces. Thousands were arrested to restore calm on the streets.