Ski resorts in Kashmir are seeing a boom in visitors this winter as a new 'road map for peace' in the region has been agreed between India and Pakistan.

India's leading resort of Gulmarg staged a national cross country skiing championships last week, attracting more than 130 competitors; but more significantly this was the first major contest staged at the resort since India's national winter games were organised there in 1998. The area is now looking forward to hosting the Commonwealth Winter Games in 2010.

India and Pakistan have fought two wars over Kashmir. It is divided between them, but is claimed in full by both. The current revolt against Indian rule began in 1989. In 1999 Indian troops and Pakistan-backed forces fought for two months in the region with a reported 1,000 deaths on both sides.