The picturesque Gulmarg is dry since there hasn't been much snow in Kashmir, a popular tourist destination. Gulmarg, well-known as Kashmir's winter paradise, is devoid of the typical layer of snow that covers its slopes at this time of year.The town, which is situated at an elevation of 8,694 feet, attracts visitors and ski enthusiasts from India and other countries, but the lack of snow has upset them. Himalayan peaks covered with snow are often barren. Jammu and Kashmir's winter capital, Srinagar, has not yet seen any snowfall this year. The impact extends to popular tourist destinations like Sonamarg in central Kashmir and Pahalgam in south Kashmir.

What is happening?

Kashmir is suffering from a drought, as the valley reported a 79% decrease in precipitation and little snowfall in December 2023. Ecologists and individuals who depend on tourism for a living are concerned about this. Skiers who attend training sessions in January go to the popular tourist destination of Gulmarg. But this year, its meadows are empty.

Why is there a dry spell?

According to experts, El Nino is most likely to blame for Kashmir's current dry period. It has been dry for the whole month of December and the first week of January. For the past three to four years, there has been an early snowfall trend that is absent this year. There's not a powerful spell.  El Nino has been around since November and can remain around till the following month.
El Nino, which translates to "Little Boy" in Spanish, is an occurrence of extremely warm seas in the eastern Pacific that drives natural climate patterns. Temperature increases are expected in 2024 as a result of the weather phenomenon, which influences worldwide weather patterns. It's well knowledge that there is a precipitation shortfall during El Nino years. We have gone through dry spells before. 

As experts point out, the current dry spell is not unprecedented, with similar occurrences recorded in recent years, including December 2022, December-January 2018, January 2015, and December 2014. Despite the challenges posed by this weather phenomenon, it serves as a reminder of the resilience exhibited by the region in the face of periodic climatic variations. The collective hope remains that Gulmarg and its surrounding areas will soon get back the enchanting allure of snow-covered landscapes for the enjoyment of both locals and visitors alike.