Pahalgam (J-K), Mar 20 Tourists are thronging Kashmir's Pahalgam region in large numbers giving a boost to the local economy in the region.

Tourists from plains are arriving in large numbers to beat the summer heat that is slowly setting in.

"The place is very beautiful, and the weather is outstanding," said Sunil Kumar, a tourist from Delhi.

Hotel and guesthouse owners, pony owners and even small shopkeepers here are hoping that they do brisk business this year.

Businessmen who booked huge losses last year on account of a fall in tourism owing to a tension over transfer of land to the Amarnath shrine look forward to a good season.

"There are a lot of tourist arrivals this year. We hope that we receive so many tourists that we are able to make up for last year's losses," said Mohammad Yousuf Wani, a resident.

Pahalgam is located at an altitude of 2130 m above sea level amidst the Himalayan range.

It is positioned beside the Liddar River, in the Liddar valley. The weather in Pahalgam is alpine. Summers (April-June) are mild while winters (November-February) are cold. It experiences rains between July and September. It experiences heavy snowfall from December to February.

The State Government is planning to develop Pahalgam a center for mountaineering, camping, trekking, rafting and fishing.

A wild life sanctuary and a race course also are on the cards in the tourist resort which would help give a fillip to tourist influx to this fascinating spot during winter months. By Fayaz Ahmed (ANI)