The Department of Tourism, J&K, through the Directorate of Tourism, Kashmir, organised the Doodhpathri Snow Carnival 2026 at scenic Parihas Maidan Doodhpathri, marking a significant milestone in the promotion of winter tourism in the Union Territory.
Held amidst the breathtaking snow-covered landscapes of Doodhpathri, the carnival witnessed enthusiastic participation from tourists, adventure lovers, local residents, and stakeholders from the tourism and hospitality sectors. The event continued throughout the day, transforming Doodhpathri into a vibrant hub of winter sports, cultural celebrations, and recreational activities.
The Snow Carnival featured a diverse array of activities, including Snowshoe Race, Skiing demonstrations, Snow Cricket, Paragliding displays, Snow Tug of War, and captivating Cultural Programs showcasing the rich heritage, music, and traditions of Jammu & Kashmir. The events generated great excitement among participants and spectators alike, reinforcing Doodhpathri’s emerging status as a premier winter tourism destination.
Senior officials of the Tourism Department and the District Administration Budgam, and other dignitaries, attended the event and appreciated the overwhelming response from visitors and the local community. They reiterated the government’s commitment to promoting lesser-explored destinations and diversifying tourism offerings across seasons to ensure balanced regional development.
The carnival not only highlighted the immense potential of Doodhpathri as a winter adventure destination but also provided livelihood opportunities to local stakeholders, including hoteliers, transporters, guides, and small business owners. The large turnout of visitors during the event is expected to further strengthen the winter tourism circuit in Kashmir and contribute to the local economy.
The successful organisation of the Doodhpathri Snow Carnival reflects the Department of Tourism’s sustained efforts to position Jammu & Kashmir as a year-round tourism destination.
The department expressed gratitude to all participants, local authorities, security agencies, volunteers, media representatives, and the people of the area for their support in making the event a grand success.
The CEO Doodhpathri, Riyaz Ahmad, said that the department is giving a boost to Doodhpathri as a winter destination.
“Various snow activities, operationalisation of ski hire shop and ski drag lift at the destination would attract more tourists,” he said, adding that in the coming years Doodhpathri would become a prominent skiing resort.
With the enthusiastic response witnessed this year, the Department of Tourism looks forward to organising similar large-scale events in the future to further enhance the tourism profile of the Union Territory at the national and international levels.
