Thousands of tourists visit Kashmir and Ladakh to witness
snow during the Christmas holidays. The beauty of the Kashmir Valley is beyond
description. With the gushing rivers, shiny waterfalls, picturesque
surroundings, and lush green forests, it has always appealed to tourists
despite many Kashmir issues. It is one of the most beautiful places on earth.
The people of Kashmir are known for their simple nature and gentle demeanor.
The cold wave conditions intensified in Jammu and Kashmir as
mercury slipped to minus 3.8 degrees Celsius in Srinagar on Friday. The
interior parts of the famous Dal Lake in Srinagar were frozen as the minimum
temperature was recorded in Kashmir. Several boatmen at Dal Lake were seen
breaking the frozen parts of ice.
J&K and Ladakh director of meteorological department
Sonam Lotus said the weather will remain dry till December 23. “In entire
J&K, the minimum temperatures dropping to -5 or -6 in December are normal
and are a part of winter weather in the region. It happens every year,” he
said.
There is a forecast of snowfall on Christmas Eve. The MeT
office said that widespread moderate-to-heavy snowfall is most likely during
December 23 and 25.
Following the fresh snowfall in the upper reaches of Zojila in
Central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district, the authorities closed the
Sonamarg-Zojjila road for vehicular movement. Due to precautionary measures,
the roads were closed by the authorities.
Most of the valley's little-known 2% Christian population
visit Gulmarg where a Mass takes place. Surrounded by the western Himalayas,
Gulmarg is also called the Heartland of winter sports in India. Winter is also
considered a perfect time for a vacation in Gulmarg.
Snowfall attracts many tourists to visit hilly areas,
especially during Christmas and New Year. This will lead to a surge in hotel bookings in the region which is only expected to grow and help boost the
economy.