Nature has painted a surreal picture in Gulmarg, where the Drang Waterfall’s complete congelation has created an icy spectacle drawing adventure enthusiasts and photographers from far and wide. This ephemeral wonder amid Kashmir’s alpine paradise is redefining winter travel in India.
The transformation is profound: the waterfall, fed by glacial melt from Apharwat heights, has morphed into a crystalline monolith piercing the powder-blue sky. Delicate ice tendrils fringe its edges, while internal blue hues hint at the life paused within. It’s a scene that evokes both tranquility and the raw force of Himalayan winters.
Crowds swell daily, from dawn patrols of shutterbugs to evening groups huddled over bonfires. Testimonials flood online forums: ‘A once-in-a-lifetime view,’ writes traveler Aisha from Mumbai. Infrastructure adapts swiftly—extra shuttle services from Srinagar, heated viewing decks, and guided night tours under starlit skies.
Climatologists point to polar vortex influences amplifying the chill, with Gulmarg logging its coldest January in decades. The waterfall’s north-facing exposure and constant mist accelerated the freeze, forming what glaciologists term a ‘plunge pool ice cascade’—a rare class of formation.
Preservation is key: barriers protect the base from erosion by footfall, and locals educate on leave-no-trace principles. Meanwhile, the event spotlights climate patterns; while beautiful, such extremes prompt discussions on changing weather in fragile ecosystems.
Gulmarg’s allure deepens with this addition to its repertoire—think gondola panoramas framing the ice, or heli-skiing drops revealing hidden frozen veins. As temperatures hold, projections suggest the display could endure till mid-March, offering prolonged magic.
In Gulmarg, winter isn’t just a season; it’s a symphony of snow, ice, and human wonder. The frozen Drang Waterfall, with its silent majesty, invites all to partake in this grand natural theater.