Kashmir Govt. mulls Pahalgam as a winter destination

Pahalgam, Mar 3 (ANI): The Government of Jammu and Kashmir is planning for winter activities in Pahalgam to promote tourism during the winter season.

"Pahalgam is basically a summer destination. We are trying to start snow activities to promote tourism.

Our department and the government are making constant efforts to promote this region as a tourist destination," said Farooq Shah Director, Tourism, Jammu and Kashmir.

Residents feel that with the starting of winter activities, Pahalgam will soon become a popular winter destination for tourists, generating employment for them.

"Pahalgam has better tourist spots as compared to Gulmarg. Pahalgam is a place where skiing and winter activities can be organised. If tourists come here, we will earn more," said Yasir Ahmed, a resident.

The people living at Pahalgam are totally dependent on tourists coming in hordes during summer months. But now the government plans to start winter activities to promote tourism during the winter season.

Pahalgam is located at an altitude of 2130 m above sea level amidst the great Himalayan range.

It is positioned beside the Liddar River, in the Liddar valley. The weather in Pahalgam is alpine. Summers (April-June) are mild while winters (November-February) are cold. It experiences rains between July and September. It experiences heavy snowfall from December to February.

The State Government is planning to develop Pahalgam a center for mountaineering, camping, trekking, rafting and fishing.

A wild life sanctuary and a race course also is on the cards in the tourist resort which would help give a fillip to tourist influx to this fascinating spot during winter months. By Bilal Butt (ANI)