Early snowfall triggers tourist influx in valley

We expect a further increase in tourists as PM is expected to inaugurate a train connecting Srinagar with rest of the nation on January 26 AKIB CHAYA, president, Hoteliers Club Gulmarg

- Ashiq Hussain

SRINAGAR: Early snowfall has covered Kashmir's mountains, drawing tourists and adventurers to the valley. On Thursday, the valley's plains, including the outskirts of summer capital Srinagar, witnessed season's first (light) snowfall. The mountains have been experiencing intermittent bouts of light snow spells since November 11.

Visitors are making a beeline, particularly to the ski resort of Gulmarg in North Kashmir, after a relatively dry winter last year. "Bookings in Gulmarg have increased after the snowfall. Last winter, tourists were hesitant owing to dry weather and very late snowfall," said Akib Chaya, president of Hoteliers Club Gulmarg.