Umaisar Gull Ganie
Kulgam, Feb 21: The district administration Kulgam is all set for a spectacular two-day winter carnival at the picturesque snow-capped Aharbal tourist destination, starting on February 24, officials said.
Aharbal, known as the “Niagara Falls of Kashmir,” is renowned for its stunning natural beauty.
Cascading waterfall, lush green forests, and snow-capped mountains create a breathtaking backdrop, attracting tourists from India and abroad.
An official told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that foolproof arrangements are in place to ensure the success and attractiveness of the two-day mega winter carnival, which will commence on February 24th.
He said at the famous tourist spot Aharbal, during the carnival, visitors can enjoy cultural events, trekking, winter sports, and explore stalls set up by different departments. “We expect that the carnival will draw visitors from near and far,” the official said.
He further added, “Last year, the tourist destination welcomed 310,624 visitors, including 100 foreigners and over 50,000 domestic tourists. Already this year, approximately 6000 visitors have flocked to the Aharbal waterfall.”
Speaking to KNO, Ghalib Mohiuddin Shah, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ahrabal Development Authority (ADA), said that the Aharbal festival is being organized to promote Aharbal as a round-the-year tourist destination, aiming to increase tourist footfall.
He said the carnival will feature a diverse range of programs.
Deputy Commissioner Kulgam, Athar Aamir Khan said that Aharbal winter carnival will be held on coming Saturday and Sunday and aim behind it is to attract more and more tourists.
“There will be many programmes like music, snow cricket, cycling and other events during the carnival and anyone can come and enjoy. All arrangements in this regard have been finalized and people who want to go for trekking will be guided accordingly,” he said.
He said that development of off-beat tourist destinations including Aharbal, Chiranbal and others is the focus of the government and all important developments with regard to road connectivity, mobile network connectivity and night stays are being taken up.
DC said that the options of homestay and other facilities are also being explored so that tourists visiting here won’t face any issue at all—(KNO)
