Ganderbal, Dec 28, KNT: Amid heavy snowfall that brought life to a standstill on the Sonamarg road in Central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district, hundreds of tourists found themselves stranded in areas like Gund, Gagangir, Sonamarg, Kulan, Rayil, and Guna-Van.
Despite the harsh weather and limited resources, local residents showcased extraordinary hospitality by taking the tourists into their homes and offering them shelter and warmth.
The sudden snowfall had caused roadblocks and vehicle slippage at multiple points, making it impossible for tourists to continue their journey. Hotels in the area quickly filled up, leaving many without options for accommodation.
“Responding to the crisis, local residents, including young and elderly alike, stepped forward to help. They welcomed the stranded visitors into their homes, providing not only shelter but also food and comfort,” local sources told the news agency Kashmir News Trust.
They said only a solitary incident of such act was highlighted but the fact is that tourists were offered help and provided shelter in dozens of villages located along the Ganderbal-Sonmarg road.
In some instances, hotel owners in Gagangir went a step further, offering free accommodations to ensure the safety and well-being of the tourists during this challenging period.
Tourists expressed deep gratitude for the generosity and compassion they experienced. “The people of Kashmir are incredibly kind. When our vehicles got stuck due to the snow, and we had no place to go, the locals opened their homes to us. Their warmth and care in such difficult conditions will always remain in our hearts,” said one of the tourists from New Delhi.
Another tourist from Nagpur Maharashtra said that this gesture not only eased the hardships faced by tourists but also helped to know the people of Kashmir in a better way. [KNT]
