Kashmir tourism is making a comeback after 2025 attacks
After a tough year marked by two major terror attacks, Kashmir's tourism scene is finally picking up.
Hotel bookings are rising and more people are interested in visiting again, amid ongoing safety concerns.
The turnaround comes after the April attack in Pahalgam that killed 25 tourists and a local, followed by a suicide blast in Delhi carried out by a Kashmir doctor.
Visitor numbers crashed, but things are looking up
Tourist numbers dropped from millions to just thousands midway through 2025. But now, hotels in Gulmarg—once almost empty—are seeing 50-60% occupancy.
The government has reopened 28 top tourist spots and set up extra winter safety measures to welcome back visitors for the snow season.
Winter sports and new attractions bring hope
Gulmarg's ski slopes and India's highest cable car are still big draws. A new gondola planned for Pahalgam could help revive that area too.
With Christmas and New Year events coming up, tourism leaders say this winter is key for bringing energy—and travelers—back to Kashmir.