After a gap of almost six months, tourism was re-started in Gulmarg with the onset of the first snowfall of the season. The gondola rides that stretch from Gulmarg to Kungdoor cost about Rs 740 per person and provide a scenic view of the snow-clad valley.
With coniferous trees dotting the valley in a lovely contrast to the white background, the gondola rides present a breathtaking view.
A prime tourist attraction of Kashmir, the gondola rides alone mustered up an annual revenue of a total of 30 crores in 2019.
Other tourism facilities like skiing are likely to resume soon in the Gulmarg valley.
In the wake of the pandemic, strict COVID-19 safety guidelines are being implemented in the valley. Hence the gondola rides are thoroughly sanitised after each round and entry without masks is not permitted. Moreover, thermal scanning and social distancing are being treated as matters of prime concern by the authorities.
Presently, the rides are operational only on weekends. As Kashmir paves its way towards restoring tourism, caution is being taken as entry into the state is permitted only after travellers pass a COVID test.
