Rare May Snowfall at Razdan Top Draws Tourists to Gurez, Bangus & Sonamarg
Bandipora, May 20 (KNS): As an intense heatwave grips several parts of India, Kashmir’s cool climate and breathtaking landscapes are once again becoming a major attraction for tourists seeking relief from soaring temperatures. This summer, however, the spotlight is shifting from traditional tourist hubs to the Valley’s lesser-explored destinations including Razdan Top, Gurez Valley, Tulail Valley, Bangus Valley and Sonamarg.
With temperatures crossing 45°C in several states, tourists arriving from Delhi, Rajasthan, Punjab and Maharashtra are finding Kashmir’s weather refreshing and pleasant. Visitors are especially flocking towards the high-altitude regions where snow still blankets mountain peaks despite the arrival of summer.
One of the biggest attractions this season has been the unexpected snowfall at Razdan Top — the gateway connecting Bandipora district with the scenic Gurez Valley. Tourists were seen enjoying snow activities, capturing photographs and experiencing chilly weather rarely witnessed during the month of May.
“We came here to escape the unbearable heat in Delhi, and seeing snowfall in May feels magical,” said a tourist visiting Gurez with his family.
Tourist activity has also increased significantly in Sonamarg, where families and adventure lovers are enjoying pony rides, streams and cool mountain winds. Meanwhile, Bangus Valley in north Kashmir is attracting nature lovers looking for peaceful and less crowded destinations surrounded by forests and vast green meadows.
Visitors described the atmosphere in these offbeat destinations as calm, untouched and closer to nature compared to the more commercial tourist spots.
Local tourism stakeholders say social media has played a major role in promoting these hidden destinations, encouraging travelers to explore beyond Srinagar, Gulmarg and Pahalgam.
“Tourists now want unexplored places with natural beauty and peaceful surroundings. Gurez, Tulail and Bangus are becoming preferred destinations because of their unique charm and cool climate,” said a local tourism operator in Gurez.
Travel guides and hotel owners across these regions have also reported a noticeable increase in tourist arrivals over the past few weeks, with many visitors extending their stay to enjoy the pleasant weather conditions.
Tourism officials believe Kashmir’s offbeat destinations are likely to witness even higher footfall in the coming weeks as temperatures continue to rise across the country, making the Valley one of the most sought-after summer retreats in India. (KNS)