Raja Syed Rather
Ganderbal, Dec 16 (KNO): Following an increase in the footfall of tourists, the government is mulling to start snow skiing at famous tourist destination Sonamarg in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district this winter.
Notably, it is for the first time that Sonmarg will remain open for tourists during winter after the opening of Z-Morh tunnel.
Officials in the Directorate of Tourism informed the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that snow skiing and other related snow sports will be started for the first time this year at the famous tourist place.
An official said organizing the basic snow skiing in the mesmerizing hill station will attract more tourists to the place.
“In last month the place witnessed a huge response of tourists after mild snowfall in late October,” an official said.
Earlier, authorities said that Sonamarg will be opened for tourists in winters for the first time and said all arrangements have been put in place to provide hassle-free movement to tourists.
The Sonamarg used to remain closed in winter due to heavy snowfall and avalanches in the Gagangeer area but with the commissioning of Z-Morh Tunnel, the Sonamarg Tourist Destination shall remain open for the first time in winter also.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Sonamarg Mushtaq Ahmad Rather, confirming the snow skiing at the tourist place, said, all the measures have been put in place for winter tourism. He said Jhelum Mountaineering Sport Gulmarg will organize the snow skiing in this tourist place.
According to the official figures, from November 20 to December 5, a total 19,526 tourists have visited the place. Among them 16, 390 are domestic and 3136 are local tourists—(KNO)
