Winter carnival in Kashmir a hit among tourists

Tourists thronged the two-day winter carnival in Jammu and Kashmir to enjoy adventure snow sports and cultural programmes.

The winter festival, organised by the state tourism department in collaboration with Patnitop Development Authority, is being held at the snow-covered Patnitop in Kashmir's Udhampur district.

A number of snow sports like skiing, sledging, tug of war and snow man building are on offer for tourists at the carnival.

"I am enjoying snow skating. Everyone here is very helpful and I am having lots of fun," said a tourist from New Delhi, Sayud.

The inflow of tourists has brought in good business for local shopkeepers.

"We are earning quite well as many tourists are thronging the festival. I have kept long coats for tourists who are using it as they go for adventure snow sports," said a shopkeeper, Hardeep Singh.