Festivals in Jammu & Kashmir show the actual reflection of this state to the outer world. This state rightly epitomizes the saying 'unity in diversity'. The fairs and fiestas of this state show the colorful approach of lives of people here. Every fiesta is rejoiced by people mutually, from all religious conviction, which is a relief to see in a world lacerated apart by battles and rifts. The festivity and keenness that permeates the atmosphere of Jammu & Kashmir during these celebrations is something that felts nowhere else on the earth. One of the festivals among those which are celebrated in Jammu & Kashmir is the Snow festival in Gulmarg.

In winters, Gulmarg is incredibly amazing as every inch of it is covered with snow. The most excellent way to experience this heaven is by participating in the Snow festival of Gulmarg which is organized by the tourism of Jammu & Kashmir. This festival officially begins the winter sports as it takes place in December. This snow festival has a number of winter sports such as rugby, skiing, snow cycling, snow baseball, ice skating and night skiing.

The Tourism Department arranges such events to encourage tourism in the Kashmir valley. This department also arranges such snow fiesta at Pahalgam and has organized a plan to construct basic communications at newly recognized tourist spots such as Sonmarg, Yusmarg, Dodhpathri, Bangus Valley etc for which authorities of development have been formed by the department. The beautiful Gulmarg is also world renowned ski resort and a well-liked tourist destination.

Celebration

Gulmarg the admired tourist choice, also called the queen of the hills, is the most reasonable places for wintry weather games. The Kashmir Snow Festival which is at Gulmarg is celebrated with enthusiasm and fun. This festival is celebrated during January and a lot of people participate in this festival. As arranged by the Tourism Department of Kashmir, different teams and people participates in different winter sports such as snow base-ball, snow cycling, ice-skating, snowboarding and skiing, snow rugby and snowboarding.

Snow cycling is the chief attraction of these 3 days of Gulmarg snow festival. All the mountain riders take part in the snow cycling occasion where as the spectators happily cheer for them. Snow cycling is a courageous sport which is full of risks and thrill. People enjoy this sport a lot in this festival. Another sport that attracts the interest of the people is snow rugby. This game is also viewed by a lot of adventure and winter sports lovers. Recently, the Tourism Department added a new game in the Snow festival which is called snow baseball. This is also a very interesting winter sport. The skating championship and skiing championships are also organized and local people and tourists also participate in these sports with great enthusiasm. To help the skiers, the Department of Tourism also provides different ski equipments on reasonable rates. There are also many cultural groups arranged for the enjoyment of the tourists. In the evening, the local performers perform during the Snow festival.

Location

The Snow Festival is held in Gulmarg, Kashmir. Perched in the foothills of the Himalayan range, Gulmarg is a famous tourist spot with picturesque landscapes and breathtaking atmosphere.

Time of Festival

The Snow festival is celebrated during winters in January.

Point to Remember

This Snow festival is celebrated during winters when every inch of Gulmarg is covered with snow. During this period the temperature of Gulmarg is very low. So, it is better to take the necessary preparations before visiting Gulmarg, Kashmir during this period to enjoy the Snow festival.

Entry Fees

There are no entry fees for this festival. It is open for all the people from all religions and communities.

Effects on Tourism

This Snow festival has helped a lot in increasing the tourism in the Gulmarg, Kashmir. It has also become an added attraction for tourists to stay longer in Kashmir Valley. The tourists love to participate in the different winter sports and enjoy the breath taking view of the snow covered valley.

How to Reach

The city of alluring beauty and incredible Himalayan Mountains, Gulmarg is a well renowned tourist destination. Gulmarg proffers the opportunity to take pleasure in its serene beauty and also different adventurous and winter sports.

By Air

The airport closest to Gulmarg is the airport of Srinagar which is nearly 56 kms from Gulmarg. Jeeps and cabs are easily obtainable outside the airport to get to Gulmarg, which will cost nearly Rs 1,000 to 1,200. Srinagar is well linked to all the major cities in India with regular flights.

By Road

Gulmarg is well associated by bus services with most of the cities of Jammu & Kashmir. State transport buses and Private tourist buses are easily obtainable to get to Gulmarg from different parts of J&K.

By Rail