Lack of snowfall takes sheen off J&K's winter tourism

A prolonged dry spell and lack of snowfall this winter have hit tourism in Jammu and Kashmir's Doda district, affecting tourist arrivals and the local economy, tourism stakeholders said.

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Since the onset of winter, renowned high-altitude tourist destinations such as Guldanda, Chattergala and Padri - which usually start receiving snowfall by mid-October - have not witnessed any significant precipitation activity so far, adversely affecting winter tourism and adventure sports, they said.

The dry weather has resulted in a sharp decline in tourist arrivals, with visitors staying away from the region's popular snow destinations.

However, tourism stakeholders remain hopeful of a turnaround in weather conditions, expecting fresh snowfall over the next couple of weeks ahead of the Christmas period.

"Compared to the last couple of years, the 9,555-foot-high Guldanda on the Bhaderwah-Pathankot highway has witnessed an 80 per cent drop in tourist arrivals since November," tourism strategist Rashid Choudhary said.