Bhaderwah, Dec 14: The absence of snowfall this winter has dealt a severe blow to tourism in Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda district, halting the usual seasonal influx of visitors and leaving the local economy struggling.
Traditionally, picturesque high-altitude destinations such as Guldanda, Chattergalla, and Padri begin receiving snow by mid-October, drawing adventure enthusiasts and winter travellers alike. But this year, prolonged dry weather and clear skies have kept the slopes bare, forcing tourists to look elsewhere.
Tourism strategist Rashid Choudhary said footfall at Guldanda, Bhaderwah’s prime winter attraction located 9,555 feet above sea level on the Bhaderwah–Pathankot highway, has plunged by nearly 80 percent since November. “The charm of snow-laden meadows is what drives visitors here, and without it, the entire tourism chain — from hotels to local vendors — is suffering,” he said.
According to data from the Bhaderwah Development Authority (BDA), between October 15 and December 15 this year, Guldanda recorded only around 10,000 visitors — a steep fall from 1.75 lakh in 2022, 2 lakh in 2023, and 1.8 lakh in 2024 during the same period.
For those whose livelihoods depend on tourism, the consequences have been painful. “In previous years, about 100 to 150 tourist vehicles would arrive daily. Now, we barely see ten,” said Raj Kumar Manhas, a local vendor. “Everyone here is praying for snow before the New Year to revive some business.”
The downturn comes amid broader challenges facing J&K tourism. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, during a visit to Gulmarg on December 13, urged a review of the decision to keep several tourist sites closed following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives. Although some spots have gradually reopened, many remain off-limits due to ongoing security concerns.
A handful of tourists who did visit Bhaderwah expressed disappointment. “The hospitality and scenery are wonderful, but we came to experience snowfall,” said Sunita Tirkke, a visitor from Jharkhand. “Without snow, the atmosphere feels incomplete — we might even shorten our trip.”
Despite the gloom, many locals cling to hope. With forecasts hinting at possible precipitation ahead of Christmas and New Year festivities, tourism stakeholders are keeping their fingers crossed for the snow that could transform Bhaderwah’s brown meadows back into a white winter wonderland.
