For the first time since the April 22 terror attack in south Kashmir’s Pahalgam, tourists have started returning to the popular hill resort, offering a glimmer of hope for the revival of tourism in the region.

On Sunday, a stream of vehicles, mostly carrying local tourists, made its way into the town, bringing life back to Pahalgam after nearly eight weeks of silence. The return of visitors comes after Lieutenant General Manoj Sinha last week announced the reopening of 16 tourist destinations starting June 17. These areas had been made off-limits to visitors following the deadly attack in Basiran meadows.

The decision to reopen followed a series of meetings between civil and police officials aimed at reviewing the security situation. Among the reopened destinations is Betab Valley, one of Pahalgam’s most frequented sites.

“Local tourists have started arriving here. It was the first time since the attack that I earned a few hundred rupees,” said Mohammad Rafiq, a pony operator based in Pahalgam.

Tourists visit Pahalgam, in Anantnag district, J&K. Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday said the parks at tourist places, which were closed in view of security considerations after the Pahalgam terror attack, are being reopened in a phased manner to allow tourists to visit the destinations.

Tourists visit Pahalgam, in Anantnag district, J&K. Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday said the parks at tourist places, which were closed in view of security considerations after the Pahalgam terror attack, are being reopened in a phased manner to allow tourists to visit the destinations. | Photo Credit: -

Service providers in the area had been out of work since the attack, which brought the peak tourist season to a sudden halt. An estimated 1,600 pony operators, 1,200 taxi drivers, and several all-terrain vehicle (ATV) operators had been left idle, with little to do.

“For the last few days, we have slowly resumed work, but Sunday saw a good flow of tourists,” said Irshad Ahmad, a TVS operator who was among the first responders during the Pahalgam attack, helping ferry the lifeless body of Navy officer Vinay Narwal and his wife to an ambulance from the meadow.

Signs of Revival

Hoteliers say they have started receiving inquiries from tourists outside the region, although bookings remain low. “Occupancy is still not significant, but it has begun to pick up gradually,” said one hotelier, adding that the industry is beginning to show green shoots across the Valley.

Industry stakeholders believe that reopening these destinations will help restore tourist confidence. They expressed hope that the remaining closed locations will also be reopened soon.

Tourists enjoy on the banks of Dal Lake Srinagar on Monday

Tourists enjoy on the banks of Dal Lake Srinagar on Monday | Photo Credit: IMRAN NISSAR

Last month, in an effort to send a strong message, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah convened cabinet meetings in both Pahalgam and Gulmarg, underlining the government’s resolve not to yield to terror threats. Officials said the meetings were aimed at boosting confidence among visitors.

Abdullah, who also holds the tourism portfolio, had also directed the Education Department to organize school picnics to the reopened destinations. He had earlier advocated for lifting travel restrictions after a comprehensive security review.

Meanwhile, the Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) had launched a “Chalo Kashmir” campaign, encouraging domestic travellers to visit the Valley and support its tourism sector.

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Published on June 16, 2025