Tourism in Pahalgam Rebounding Amid Security Concerns Ahead of Amarnath Yatra
Tourism around Pahalgam picking up; upcoming Amarnath Yatra litmus test
The Economic TimesImage: The Economic Times
Tourism in Pahalgam, located in Anantnag district of southern Kashmir, is slowly recovering after last year's attack that severely impacted the industry. As the Amarnath Yatra approaches, local pony wallas and hotel owners hope for increased visitor numbers, although access to some tourist spots remains restricted due to security measures.
- 01Tourism in Pahalgam is recovering a year after a deadly attack.
- 02Local pony wallas have seen their income drop significantly, earning only 20-30% of previous earnings.
- 03Occupancy rates in hotels are around 30%, with tourists staying shorter durations.
- 04The government has reopened some tourist spots but many remain closed due to security concerns.
- 05Local leaders express optimism about the return of tourists as security measures are upgraded.
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Pahalgam, located in Anantnag district, Jammu and Kashmir, India, is witnessing a gradual recovery in tourism a year after a tragic attack that claimed the lives of 26 individuals, including 25 tourists and a local pony wala, in April 2025. The attack led to the closure of 48 tourist spots, severely affecting the livelihoods of local pony wallas, whose earnings have plummeted to 20-30% of their previous income. Waheed Ahmad Wani, head of a pony wala association, reported that daily earnings have dropped from ₹1,000-1,500 to just ₹200-300. Hotel occupancy in Pahalgam currently stands at around 30%, with tourists opting for shorter stays and visiting nearby locations like Betab Valley and Aru Valley. While the government has reopened some spots, many remain closed due to ongoing security threats. Local leaders, including NC MLA Altaf Kaloo, express optimism about the upcoming Amarnath Yatra, hoping that the return of paramilitary forces to the region will facilitate the reopening of more tourist areas. The Jammu and Kashmir Police have enhanced security measures across the valley to ensure the safety of visitors.
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The recovery of tourism in Pahalgam is crucial for local economies, particularly for pony wallas and hotel owners who rely on visitor traffic for their livelihoods.
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