The snow clad valley of Gulmarg, 'the meadow of flowers' near Srinagar.
It is one beautiful place to be in these days. 50 kilometres from Srinagar, covered in a white blanket of snow, Gulmarg is preparing to welcome tourists for the week-long Christmas and New Year carnival.
It has snowed and tourists are arriving in large numbers, even large groups.
"It is a memorable experience. It was always my dream to play with snow," said Bora Jigna, a Tourist from Mumbai.
Gulmarg is freezing at minus 10 degrees Celsius. For most part of the year, the Afarwat peak at a height of over 13,000 feet remains covered in snow. It is accessible only on gondolas which pass through snow clad mountains for five kilometres. The state government run Gulmarg Gondola is "the highest cable car in the world."
A visit to Gulmarg is incomplete without a gondola ride, many say.
Snow sports are another big attraction for the tourists converging on Gulmarg. During the week long snow carnival, hundreds of skiers and skaters will display their skills.
"Large number of activities are scheduled like ice skating, skiing, night skiing and there will be cultural activities as well," said Dr Alyas Nasir, Assistant Director Tourism Gulmarg.
Hoteliers are offering winter discounts to attract tourists, most have announced special packages.
"We have a ski package starting from a five day, seven day and 14 day package and we have people coming," said Sujith Herbert- General Manager- The Khyber.