Srinagar: The Kashmir Valley witnessed a significant influx of tourists in the year 2024, particularly as the winter season commenced. Popular destinations such as Gulmarg, Sonmarg, and Doodhpathri emerged as major attractions during this winter period.
According to official statistics from the Tourism Development Department, Gulmarg, an international tourist destination situated in North Kashmir, welcomed 1,350,474 visitors throughout 2024.
The data indicates that a total of 1,085,053 domestic tourists and 254,639 local visitors explored Gulmarg. It is noteworthy that the number of domestic tourists significantly surpassed that of local visitors during this year.
Additionally, the statistics revealed that 10,783 foreign tourists visited Gulmarg in 2024. The highest influx of international visitors occurred in February, with 2,018 foreign tourists recorded. Conversely, June saw a decline, with only 251 foreign tourists visiting, marking a notable decrease in international tourist numbers for that month.
Following the commencement of winter in Kashmir Valley, in December 2024, Gulmarg has welcomed a total of 112,491 visitors. This figure comprises 98,838 domestic tourists, 12,220 local visitors, and 1,433 foreign tourists.
In a similar vein, from January 1, 2025, to January 15, 2025, Gulmarg recorded 52,590 tourists, including 47,310 domestic visitors, 4,815 local tourists, and 465 foreign tourists.
However, the famous tourist destination Doodhpathri, located in the Central Kashmir Budgam district, has seen a surge in visitors in 2024, with a total of 1,865,578 tourists visiting the region from January 1 to December 30, 2024. This includes international, domestic, and local visitors.
The figures said the influx of visitors included 1,482 international tourists, 1,182,843 domestic tourists, and 681,255 local visitors. The peak month for international visitors was April 2024, when 210 international tourists visited the area.
The data further highlights a significant increase in the number of domestic tourists compared to local visitors. In 2024, domestic tourists outnumbered locals, with over 1.18 million domestic visitors compared to 681,255 locals.
As winter tourism commenced in the Kashmir Valley, Doodhpathri welcomed a total of 44,821 visitors in December 2024. This figure comprises 40,547 domestic tourists, 4,104 local visitors, and 170 foreign tourists.
Between January 1, 2025, and January 14, Doodhpathri attracted 23,938 tourists, including 86 international visitors.
Sonamarg, situated in the Ganderbal district, has emerged as a prominent tourist destination, attracting a total of 890,874 visitors from January 2024 to December 2024.
According to official statistics, during this period, the destination welcomed 833,939 domestic tourists, 16,554 international tourists, and 40,381 local
As the winter season commenced, Sonamarg experienced a surge in visitors, with 76,166 tourists arriving in December 2024 alone. This figure comprised 73,630 domestic tourists, 1,463 international tourists, and 1,073 locals.
From January 1, 2025, to January 14, 2025, Sonamarg continued to attract visitors, with a total of 18,495 tourists recorded. This included 17,962 domestic tourists, 238 international tourists, and 295 local visitors.
Furthermore, the influx of international tourists to Sonamarg during the year 2024 was notably higher compared to other destinations such as Gulmarg and Doodhpathri. In 2024, Sonamarg received 16,554 international tourists, while Gulmarg attracted 10,783 and Doodhpathri saw 1,482 international visitors during the same timeframe.
Khushi, a tourist hailing from Mumbai, expressed that her visit to the Kashmir Valley marked a significant milestone in her life. She had long heard of Kashmir’s reputation as one of the most beautiful places in the world. After viewing videos on various social media platforms that showcased the valley’s stunning landscapes, she was inspired to plan her trip.
Upon her arrival in the Kashmir Valley, Khushi found the beauty to be an extraordinary experience that transcended words. She expressed a desire to author a book dedicated to the enchanting allure of the region.
During her visit, Khushi explored notable destinations such as Gulmarg, Doodhpathri, Sonamarg, and the city of Srinagar. She emphasized that there are numerous tourist attractions in the Kashmir Valley that warrant exploration.
In addition to the breathtaking scenery, Khushi praised the renowned hospitality of the region. She noted that the people of the Kashmir Valley are exceptionally kind and respectful towards visitors. The unique traditions and culture of the Kashmiri people are both captivating and distinctive. Furthermore, she encouraged tourists to savor the authentic Kashmiri cuisine prepared in local homes, which she found to be far more flavorful than that offered in hotels and restaurants.
An official from the Tourism Department of Kashmir said that the influx of tourists into the Kashmir Valley has remained consistent throughout the year. With the onset of the winter season, there has been a noticeable increase in winter tourism on a daily basis.
“The rising number of visitors to the Kashmir Valley is significant, as a large portion of the local population relies on tourism for their livelihoods during this challenging winter period. Following the recent snowfall, there has been a surge in tourist activity in popular destinations such as Sonmarg, Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Doodhpathri, Srinagar, and other attractions, “he said that
The official further said that tourists are increasingly making advance bookings at hotels during this winter season.
