UAE-based social media influencer Khalid Al Ameri has shared a heartfelt tribute to Kashmir after spending several days in the snow-covered Valley, describing it as a “snowy paradise filled with beauty beyond imagination.” The 42-year-old Stanford graduate, who has nearly 18 million followers across social media platforms, said he travelled around four hours from Dubai to reach Kashmir and was instantly captivated by its serene winter charm.
Al Ameri documented his journey through a series of videos and posts, showcasing iconic experiences such as a shikara ride on Dal Lake, walking through snow-blanketed landscapes, and enjoying a traditional pheran while soaking in local culture. One of his most talked-about clips showed him taking a playful “snow bath” in Gulmarg, where heavy snowfall has kept daytime temperatures close to freezing.
Many parts of Kashmir, especially popular tourist destinations like Gulmarg and Pahalgam, have recently been covered in fresh snow during the closing days of Chilla-i-Kalan, the Valley’s harsh 40-day winter period marked by extreme cold and frequent snowfall. The dramatic scenery, Al Ameri said, made the region look like a picture-postcard winter wonderland.
Beyond the landscapes, the influencer said he was deeply touched by Kashmir’s people and traditions. In a LinkedIn post, he reflected on how wearing a pheran by Dal Lake offered him a glimpse into a culture “preserved through practice, patience and pride,” adding that the true beauty of Kashmir lies not just in its views, but in how life and tradition are lived every day.
Officials believe such high-profile visits and positive social media coverage are helping revive tourism in Jammu and Kashmir, which had suffered setbacks after last year’s Pahalgam terror attack and adverse weather. With tourist arrivals now picking up, the government is reassessing its tourism strategy to prepare for rising visitor numbers and promote sustainable growth in the region.
