Budgam, Dec 30: The Doodhpathri Development Authority is going to start the skiing facilities in the upcoming month of January in the renowned tourist destination Doodhpathri, located in the Budgam district.
Riyaz Ahmad Beigh, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for Doodhpathri Development Authority (DDA), told Rising Kashmir that the Authority is going to start skiing activities in Doodhpathri after the tourist destination received snowfall.
“We are going to outsource the skiing facilities through which tourists and visitors can purchase these skis from the skiing point upon the government rates that have already been fixed by the department,” he said.
Beigh said that due to the low temperatures and the coverage of trees, some sections of the road in Doodhpathri have experienced frozen snow, which has affected traffic movement. Currently, vehicles can only reach the Tourist Reception Centre (TRC), as they tend to slip on the icy roads. “From the TRC to Doodhpathri, tourists and visitors can hire ATV vehicles, use pony services, or walk.”
The CEO of Doodhpathri said that over 60 labourers have been deployed to clear the frozen snow from the roads, with full clearance expected by Tuesday afternoon, allowing vehicle services to resume in Doodhpathri. “It is essential for all vehicle owners and drivers traveling to Doodhpathri to have anti-skid snow chains, a requirement that applies to all vehicles, including 4X4s.”
“On December 30, 2024, we welcomed over 2,500 tourists in a single day following the snowfall on Friday and Saturday,” he said.
With the introduction of skiing facilities in January, it is anticipated that the influx of tourists will increase, particularly among those eager to experience skiing in Doodhpathri.
