Foreign tourists throng Kashmir valley

Sonamarg, Aug 27 (ANI): Hordes of foreign tourists especially from Taiwan have arrived at the famous tourist destination Sonamarg in Kashmir valley to spend their holidays.

Sonamarg is a favourite destination among the tourists especially foreigners as from Sonamarg, they can go to different trekking places including Ladakh.

Presently, groups of tourists from Taiwan have installed their tents in Sonamarg because of its high mountains and waterfalls, which come from different glaciers including the Thajwas glacier.

"As this time in Taiwan, it is hot and humid. So, it is a very good change to have a vacation here because it's a cool, dry and different climate," said Chain, a tourist from Taiwan.

Tourists do trekking and ride ponies.

"People from foreign countries love this natural beauty. Here one can see more than 10-15 groups of foreign tourists in a day," said Shaahnaaz, a tour operator.

The tourism director of Jammu and Kashmir, Farooq Shah said that unlike other countries, Kashmir is being developed keeping in mind the environment and ecology while preserving its natural beauty.

"Kashmir is a paradise for the foreigners. We have golfing, adventure tourism, water sports and angling," said Farooq Shah.

Kashmir has been among the top Asian tourism destinations.

According to official figures, 430,000 tourists including 23,000 foreigners visited Kashmir in 2008. By Afzal Bhatt(ANI)