The tourism department in Jammu and Kashmir and the Indian Institute of Ski and Mountaineering (IISM) have introduced hot air balloon rides to promote adventure tourism in the valley.
The efforts of IISM has yielded the desired result and Gulmarg has become one of the most popular ski destinations in South Asia.
The director of the Department of Tourism, Jammu and Kashmir, Talat Parvez, said that it would attract large number of tourists who would get an opportunity to enjoy the panoramic view of Gulmarg.
"In a bid to add new dimension to adventure tourism, we have started hot air ballooning. The successful demonstration took place and we are using it on a safety mode and it has been properly anchored. The pilot hails from Rajasthan and is well trained. The tourists by sitting in the hot air balloon will get to witness a panoramic view of Gulmarg from the sky. We hope that this becomes a regular feature for Gulmarg so that tourists who come for entertainment and who come to see snow should get an opportunity to see the snow covered valley. We are expecting large number of tourists," said Parvez.
Gulmarg, a popular snow sports hub attracts large number of domestic as well as tourists from western countries.
According to historians, the ancient name of Gulmarg was "Gaurimarg", the name of Lord Shiva's wife. Later, King Yousuf Shah Chak changed its name to Gulmarg, which implied ''the place of roses''. The hill resort of Gulmarg has been summer retreat for the kings, including Yousuf Shah Chak and Mughal Emperor Jahangir.
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