Frozen Drung waterfall attracts tourists from across country

Baramulla, Dec 17: The frozen Drung waterfall in the Tangmarg area of north Kashmir's Baramulla district has become a major winter attraction, drawing thousands of tourists daily from across the country.

The breathtaking view of the icicles and the cascading water frozen mid-air leaves visitors mesmerised, offering a scene that resembles a fictional world.

The once-ordinary waterfall during summer transforms into a spectacle of nature every winter as sub-zero temperatures freeze the gushing water, turning it into an awe-inspiring curtain of ice.

For Ranjan Sharma, a tourist from Delhi, witnessing a frozen waterfall was beyond his imagination.

“It looks like a different world here. Watching the icicles hanging in mid-air and shimmering in the sunlight gives a different taste to travel experiences,” Sharma said.

Another tourist, Riya Patel from Mumbai, described the experience as magical.

“I have seen waterfalls before, but never like this. The frozen waterfall feels like something straight out of a dream. The air is crisp, the silence is serene, and the sheer beauty of nature here is unmatched,” Patel said.

Locals in Drung, a picturesque village near Tangmarg, see the influx of tourists as a welcome boost to the local economy.

“Every winter, the frozen waterfall brings life to our village. Tourists from all over the country come here, stay in nearby guesthouses, and explore the area,” a local shopkeeper, Abdul Rasheed said.

He said that as temperatures are too low, the frozen Drung waterfall has become a major tourist attraction for those visiting Gulmarg.

“It is after a long time that we are witnessing such a huge rush of tourists. The frozen waterfall is a different experience for tourists and none of them want to miss such a marvel,” Rashid said.

Tour guides and operators are also witnessing a surge in demand.

A local tourist guide, Riyaz Ahmad, said, “Drung waterfall is one of the few places where nature offers such a spectacle. It is not just a frozen waterfall but an immersive experience that showcases the marvels of winter in Kashmir.”

The surrounding landscape adds to the charm.

With snow-laden trees, icy streams, and a peaceful aura, the Drung waterfall has turned into a prime spot for photographers, vloggers, and adventurers.

Fayaz Ahmad, a local who has been involved in the tourism-related business, said that people of the area are hopeful that such natural wonders would further promote winter tourism in Kashmir.

“The frozen Drung waterfall is a gem of Tangmarg. With proper promotion and facilities, we can attract even more visitors during the winter season,” he said.