Snow-covered trees can be seen near the Zojila mountain pass that connects Srinagar to Ladakh. File photo Photo credit: Nisar Ahmed
Buoyed by a record 2.3 lakh tourist arrivals last year, the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department on Thursday decided to put the less-travelled Dudhpathri Meadows in Budgam district on the winter tourism map.
A day-long snow festival was organized at Dudhpathri, just 44 km from the capital Srinagar, which was attended by hundreds of local and domestic tourists. Exciting snow sports like snow kabaddi, tug of war, all-terrain vehicle rallies, snowmobiles and ski runs were organized on the occasion.
“Dodhpathri is promoted as a winter destination. The destination is open this winter to attract more tourists. Introduction of various snow activities and activation of ski shop is a game changer for the destination. It will be proven,” said Director Tourism, Kashmir, Fazl Al Seeb.
A ski drag lift is also being made operational by next summer, making Dudhpathri a prominent skiing destination after Gulmarg in the valley.
Budgam Deputy Commissioner Syed Fakhruddin Hamid welcomed this initiative of the Tourism Department. “This event is a unique model where tourism, employment and infrastructure sectors are being linked to each other for sustainable development of the region,” said Mr. Hamid.
DC Hamid expressed satisfaction over the large turnout in the event. He appreciated the enthusiasm and dedication of the local people and appreciated the efforts of the tourism department for collaborating with the district administration for such a successful event. He expressed confidence that such programs would eventually emerge Dudhpathri as the best winter destination in Jammu and Kashmir and also create self-employment opportunities for the youth.
Kashmir is set to host a record 2.3 million tourists in 2022, the highest figure since 2013 when nearly 1.3 million tourists visited the valley. The tourism department is building on the flow of tourists and expanding the winter tourism infrastructure.
