Excelsior Correspondent
BHADERWAH, Dec 14: The prolonged dry spell and lack of snow in famous high altitude snow destinations of J&K’s Bhaderwah this winter have hit winter tourism badly so far, and the local economy itself, say tourism industry stakeholders and vendors.
Since the onset of winters, high altitude tourists spots like Guldanda, Chattergalla and Padri of Bhaderwah Valley which normally starts having snowfall from mid October have not seen any major snow till Dec 14, hampering winter tourism as well as adventure sports.
The dry weather has led to a significant drop in tourism, as tourists have stayed away from famous snow destinations Guldanda and Chattargalla of J&K’s Bhaderwah due to lack of snowfall.
Tourism strategist, Rashid Choudhary said that compared to last couple of years Guldanda located at a height of 9,555 ft above sea level on Bhaderwah- Basohli-Pathankot highway has received 80 percent less visitors since November 2025. “Once famous for its pristine snow-covered landscapes, it has been gripped by an alarming lack of snowfall this year, leading to a significant decline in visitors, especially to Guldanda, the region’s premier winter destination. This crisis has triggered widespread economic distress across sectors reliant on tourism, from hoteliers to tourist guides, shopkeepers, and vendors.”
“We wish and pray that Almighty may have some mercy and the white flakes will descend well before the new year celebrations begin, that’s the only hope left of revival of winter tourism in Bhaderwah,” Choudhary added.
Dozens of local vendors who had established their small businesses at Guldanda and Chattargalla with the hope that good snowfall will attract large number of visitors like previous years, are a worried lot as now snowfall till date has left them in a tizzy.
“Since last three years, we used to receive 100 to 150 tourist vehicles on an average everyday during this part of the year and the number this year has drastically came down to just 10. This is because their is no snow here and tourists cone here only to enjoy that. Now, our only hope is a good snowfall before new year’s celebrations begin,” said Raj Kumar Manhas, a local vendor at Guldanda.
Handful of tourists who arrived at Guldanda and Chattargalla also expressed their displeasure as they said they only came to enjoy the snow but the brown meadows and alps have disappointed them.
“Although we enjoyed the hospitality and breathtaking landscaping of Bhaderwah valley but we primarily came here in a group to enjoy the snow which ceases to exist here. Snow would have made our trip the memorable one and now we have decided to cut short our stay here,” Said Rohit Mundawa, a tourist from Jharkhand.
As per data with Bhaderwah Development Authority (BDA), during the years 2022, 2023 and 2024, Guldanda had a footfall of 1.75 lakh, 2 lakh and 1.8 lakh, respectively from October 15 to December 15 but current year, the famous snow destination has received a meager 10,000 tourists during this period so far.
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