Srinagar, (KMW News): The world famous ski resort of Gulmarg and all upper reaches in the Kashmir valley experienced fresh snowfall while plains, including summer capital, Srinagar, had rains on the first day of the 40-day-long Chalai-e-Kalan, coldest period of winter here.
However, due to rains and snow, the night temperature was above normal while the days become colder with icy cold winds.
A Met department spokesman said here this afternoon there was possibility of light rains and snow at isolated places in the Jammu and Kashmir.
However, during the next two days the weather will remain generally cold and dry, he said.
Despite minus 7.5 degree minimum temperature hundreds of tourists from different parts of the country and abroad were out on ski slopes since early this morning in Gulmarg, which received about a feet of snowfall since yesterday.
“We expect a good tourist inflow, breaking all previous records, this winter, a hotel owner told.
He said despite very little snowfall so far, the tourist arrival was encouraging.
We have bookings from different parts of the country; he said adding good tourist inflow will generate employment to pony and horse walls besides traders.
A couple from Delhi Ajit Kumar said this was their first experience to touch the snow with their hands. It is really a paradise on earth.
Similar views were expressed by other tourists.
The upper reaches in the ski resort, including Affarwat and Kongdori, connected with Gandola Cable Car (GCC) and Khilanmarg also experienced moderate to heavy snowfall.
