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Snowfall in Kashmir's Tourist Havens Brings New Year Cheer and Economic Hope

Light snowfall in Kashmir's premier tourist resorts of Gulmarg, Sonamarg, and Pahalgam brought joy to New Year revellers, with hotels fully booked, signalling a strong revival for the local tourism industry. This resurgence offers renewed hope for locals following the severe impact of a terror attack in Pahalgam in April 2025. However, residents in Srinagar and other plains areas missed the traditional New Year's Eve snowfall, disappointing many. The ongoing 'Chillai Kalan' period is critical, as a lack of heavy snow threatens irrigation and water resources, compounded by a significant rainfall deficit in December.

Key Points: Kashmir Snowfall Boosts New Year Tourism and Local Hopes

  • Tourist joy in hill stations
  • Plains miss snowfall
  • Post-attack tourism revival
  • Chillai Kalan water concerns
  • Rainfall deficit recorded
2 min read

Snowfall in J&K tourist spots gives New Year revellers joy, plains miss whiteout

Light snowfall in Gulmarg, Sonamarg & Pahalgam delights New Year tourists, reviving Kashmir's winter economy after 2025 terror attack impact.

"Hotels, lodges and guest houses are completely sold out in the Valley this time, giving renewed hope to thousands of locals."

Srinagar, Jan 1

Light snowfall occurred in the higher reaches of Kashmir Valley during the last 12 hours as the plains were lashed by rain on Thursday.

The revellers had a great time in Gulmarg, Sonamarg and Pahalgam tourist resorts, where snowfall occurred on the New Year's Eve. The tourists could be seen singing and dancing to welcome the new year.

Scores of tourists also gathered at the city centre, Lal Chowk in Srinagar, braving the winter chill to usher in the new year.

Hotels, lodges and guest houses are completely sold out in the Valley this time, giving renewed hope to thousands of locals connected with the tourist industry that 2026 will be peaceful and bring good fortune to the people. The tourist flow to the valley suffered immensely following the brutal terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, 2025. Now, with the winter tourism reviving, the people in the valley are praying for more snowfall.

The residents of Srinagar and other towns and cities in Kashmir missed the traditional snowfall on New Year's Eve, dampening the spirits of children, who had planned snow-related sports and activities to celebrate the moment.

Srinagar city had 2.2 degrees Celsius, Gulmarg minus 5.5 and Pahalgam 0.4 as the minimum temperature.

Jammu city had 10.7 degrees Celsius, Katra town 8.7, Batote 5.7, Banihal 3.9 and Bhaderwah one degree as the minimum temperature.

The 40-day-long period of intense winter cold, locally called the 'Chillai Kalan', started on December 21, 2025 and will end on January 30, 2026.

If J&K misses a heavy snowfall during this 40-day-long period, then people may face serious problems in irrigation for agriculture, horticulture, and even in meeting the drinking water needs. Heavy snowfall in Chillai Kalan replenishes the perennial water reservoirs in the mountains, which sustain the various water resources of Jammu and Kashmir during the summer months. Already, various rivers, streams, springs, wells and lakes are running at their lowest due to a lack of sufficient rain/snow this winter. December 2025 has recorded a 28 per cent deficit in rainfall.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
The pictures from Lal Chowk must be amazing. It's heartening to see the resilience and spirit of the people there, celebrating despite the chill. The 28% rainfall deficit is worrying though. Snow isn't just for tourism; it's crucial for water security.
R
Rohit P
As someone from a farming family in Himachal, I understand the anxiety. 'Chillai Kalan' snow feeds our rivers. A deficit now means water shortage in summer for crops and drinking. The government should have better water conservation plans ready.
P
Priya S
Feel bad for the kids in Srinagar who missed out on snow sports! But so happy for the hotel owners and guides. After the Pahalgam attack, this revival is a blessing. J&K's beauty and peace go hand in hand. More power to the locals! 🙏
M
Michael C
The economic angle here is key. Completely sold-out hotels signal strong recovery. However, the article rightly shifts focus to the ecological necessity of snowfall. Climate change impacts are real, and mountain states like J&K are on the frontline.
K
Kavya N
Minus 5.5 in Gulmarg! ❄️ Brr. But this is what tourists come for. While the celebrations are great, I hope the administration is prepared for any emergencies due to heavy snow in the coming weeks. Safety should be the priority alongside tourism.

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