Muhammad Suhail
Gulmarg, Feb 09 (KNS) ; What began as a travel “mistake” ended with a Russian tourist marvelling at Gulmarg’s snow-clad slopes, calling the famous ski destination a “winter wonderland” and praising the warmth of local hospitality.
In her first-ever visit to India, the tourist said she had not planned on coming to Kashmir — and was unaware it even offered skiing — until a travel agent suggested the trip. “I came to Kashmir just by mistake… and it’s really a winter wonderland here in Gulmarg,” she told News Agency Kashmir News Service (KNS).
With fresh snowfall blanketing the meadows, she described the snow as “very soft” and “so beautiful”. She spent the day snowboarding with a local guide, adding, “I enjoy very much… they make really fun.”
Equally taken by the people, she said, “The people are so much hospitality… beautiful snowfall, very nice people, and everything is great.”
Her accidental discovery comes days after Jammu & Kashmir was named the ‘Best Adventure Tourism Destination’ at the Outbound Travel Mart (OTM) 2026 in Mumbai, one of Asia’s largest travel trade fairs.
The award, announced on February 7, is seen as a boost to the Union Territory’s efforts to re-establish itself as a prime tourism hub after challenging seasons in recent years.
Tourism officials have been working to attract foreign travellers back to the Valley, promoting winter sports and scenic attractions. Unplanned endorsements like that of the Russian visitor offer what stakeholders call “organic publicity” for the region’s revived tourism campaign. (KNS)
