The Kashmir Valley welcomes a record number of visitors, with Gulmarg Ski Resort for holidays

In the last month, the Kashmir Valley has seen a surge in tourist arrivals. According to government data, over one lakh tourists visited Kashmir Valley in November, shattering a seven-year high.

The famed Ski resort Gulmarg is thronged by people from all over the country and the world when the Valley receives fresh snowfall. In the next weeks, tourist arrivals are projected to grow. The most popular tourist seasons in the Valley are Christmas and New Year's.

''The view is mesmerizing; I wasn't expecting this climate. It's very beautiful and a treat to our eyes and I am very happy, we got to see snow and sunshine which is the best to look at. it's heaven on earth and I would come again and again to visit Gulmarg and ask my friends to come. Every human being needs to visit Kashmir. I will come again. We are vaccinated and we didn't find much hassle with regard to that '' said Shivani Chadha, Tourist.

 Tourists that visit the Valley are so taken aback by the beauty and service that they encourage others to visit as well.

'' It's wonderful and It's like a winter wonderland for people who have not experienced snow at all. And you should make a trip here during winters as well as summers. To experience the greenery and snow. It was my first time with lovely people, great food. It's like a postcard all around and very nice. Drop all your apprehensions and come here. Everyone should visit. '' said Ashwini, a tourist.

The Gondola ride in Gulmarg is one of the most captivating ways to take in the breathtaking views of the snow-capped mountains. It is Asia's highest and longest ropeway.

The gondola begins in Gulmarg and takes you to the Apharwat Mountains at a height of 13000 feet above sea level. The ropeway has been used by roughly 2-3 thousand people every day for the past three months, according to officials.

"This time, the response was fantastic." It snowed yesterday, and there is a lot of traffic. This winter, we anticipate a high volume of visitors. Every day for the past three months, we've seen 2000-3000 people use the gondola. The bookings we're looking at are excellent, and we anticipate a major surge this winter. We've set everything up and are following the Covid protocol. If necessary, we only board four persons in one car. This year, we anticipate a good turnout," stated Showkat Ahmad, Gondola Incharge.

Tourism is one of Kashmir Valley's most important industries. Thousands of people are employed in the industry. In the last two years, covid has cost the company a lot of money, and stakeholders are hoping to make up for it this time.

''A lot of tourists are coming, thank God for that. Due to covid, we didn't see much last winter but this time tourist inflow is good. International flights are still restricted and that's why we see a lot of domestic tourists coming to Kashmir. Our livelihood depends on it. Tourists should come and we make sure everyone is following covid protocols. All tourists who used to travel abroad will most probably come to Kashmir. We want them to come to the valley and explore. '' said Aijaz Ahmad, Tourist Guide.

 Around Christmas and New Year's, the majority of Gulmarg's hotels were totally booked. The government is ready for the influx of tourists by implementing a new covid protocol.