The recent snowfall in late December 2025 has turned **Gulmarg** into a winter wonderland, leading to a significant increase in tourist footfall and giving a boost to Kashmir’s winter tourism sector. All this has happened after the terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22, in which 26 people were killed and bookings were canceled on a large scale.
Hotels in **Gulmarg** and **Pahalgam** are almost full or 100% booked for the New Year season, and many hotels are fully booked till early January 2026. Bookings in hotels and houseboats are increasing in Srinagar, although the overall occupancy is low. There are long queues at the famous **Gulmarg Gondola** (Asia’s highest cable car), and tourists are enjoying skiing, snowboarding and beautiful views.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has attributed the snowfall to a Western Disturbance, and has forecast light to moderate snowfall in higher reaches including Gulmarg from December 30, 2025 to January 2, 2026 – which may become more intense around New Year’s Eve.
Tourists are happy, and many are fulfilling their dream of a White New Year. Locals, including guides and hotel owners, are considering the snowfall as a “blessing”, which has brought economic relief and new hope after months of low tourist arrivals.
This revival, despite past setbacks, reflects Gulmarg’s appeal as India’s premier ski destination, attracting both domestic and international tourists.
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