Tourists flock to Nathatop as Jammu receives fresh snowfall

Tourists are flocking to Nathatop the popular hill resort located 10 kilometres ahead of Patnitop in Jammu as the region received fresh snowfall Many visitors reached Nathatop after visiting the Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine in Katra via PatnitopAt Nathatop tourists were seen enjoying a range of winter activities including dancing playing in the snow and icerelated adventures Visitors also enjoyed local delicacies such as sweet corn warmed themselves by fires and took photographs of the snowcovered landscapeMeanwhile tourism continues to be a major pillar of Jammu and Kashmirs economy with the Union Territory recording 178 crore tourist visits in 2025 despite securityrelated incidents and natural calamitiesJammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha earlier said the sustained inflow reflects improved infrastructure better connectivity and focused policy interventions aimed at strengthening the sectorAddressing members of the Legislative Assembly on the opening day of the budget session Sinha said tourism has been accorded industry status to attract investment and generate employment marking a significant step toward formalising and expanding the sector He added that the administration is working to promote yearround tourism by developing new attractions and diversifying offerings across regionsOne such initiative is the opening of BagheGule Dawood Kashmirs first Chrysanthemum Garden inaugurated for tourists in October 2025 With more than 50 varieties of flowers the garden is expected to draw visitors during the autumn season complementing the Tulip Garden that attracts tourists each springBeyond new infrastructure and destinations the revival of traditional experiences continues to define Kashmirs tourism appealIn Gulmarg the iconic sledge ride remains one of the most popular winter attractions The downhill ride on handcrafted wooden sledges expertly guided by local men dressed in traditional winter attire offers visitors an authentic thrill powered purely by gravity snow and skill without any artificial machineryThe Lieutenant Governor said the administration has placed special emphasis on reviving pilgrim tourism in Jammu promoting adventure tourism in Kashmir and encouraging ecotourism in tribal and border areas to ensure balanced regional growth Confidencebuilding measures improved tourist facilitation and better coordination with stakeholders have helped maintain tourist flow even during challenging periodsA major boost to tourism and economic activity has come from railway connectivity to Kashmir described by Sinha as a historic milestone A fullfledged railway division has been sanctioned for Jammu and Kashmir while expansion and modernisation work at the JammuTawi railway station is underwayThe government is also planning a major project focused on the sustainable development of emerging tourist destinations through public and private sector participation aiming to create new tourism hubs while protecting the environment and generating local employmentThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever