In Pictures: Unusual Dry Spell, Absence of Snow at Gulmarg Disheartens Tourists

Gulmarg, the picturesque town in Kashmir renowned for its winter charm, is experiencing an uncommon lack of snowfall, disappointing tourists and ski enthusiasts.

At an altitude of 8,694 feet, Gulmarg usually transforms into a winter wonderland covered in snow by this time of the year. However, the absence of snow has impacted skiing activities, attracting concern from tourists and the skiing community.

The dry spell extends to other tourist destinations in Kashmir, like Pahalgam and Sonamarg, raising worries among ecologists and those dependent on tourism for their livelihood.

The Kashmir valley has witnessed a significant 79% drop in rainfall and minimal snowfall in December 2023, exacerbating the situation. The popular skiing destination, Gulmarg, normally bustling with skiers in January, is experiencing an unusual emptiness in its meadows.

Experts attribute the dry spell to the El Nino climatic phenomenon, predicting potential repercussions on global weather patterns and temperatures in 2024. If the dry spell continues, it is expected to affect tourism and result in cancellations, creating economic challenges for the region.

“The whole of December and the first week of January has been dry,” Mukhtar Ahmad, Director of the Kashmir Meteorological Centre, told ANI.

“There was a pattern of early snowfall for the last three to four years which is missing this year. There is no major spell. El Nino has persisted since November and may continue till next month,” he explained.