Kashmir’s Closed Tourist Destinations Set To Reopen By May After 2025 Pahalgam Attack

Kashmir’s tourism landscape is gradually returning to life after nearly a year of uncertainty. The Jammu and Kashmir government has announced that all tourist destinations that were closed following the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack are expected to reopen by May this year, signalling a significant step in restoring confidence in the region’s travel sector.

The closures came in the aftermath of the attack in Pahalgam on April 22, 2025, which claimed the lives of 26 people, most of them tourists. In response, authorities shut down dozens of tourist sites across the Valley as a precautionary security measure. At the time, the move cast a shadow over Kashmir’s tourism industry, which had been witnessing a strong resurgence in visitor numbers.

Nearly a year later, the government says it has been working steadily to revive tourism, reopening destinations in phases while balancing security considerations. Of the nearly 44 to 50 tourist spots that were shut after the attack, around 25 to 30 have already resumed operations. The remaining sites are expected to follow in the coming months, with the administration aiming to have them fully operational before the peak summer travel season begins.

Gradual Reopening Efforts

The reopening has been carried out carefully and in consultation with the central government, with authorities prioritising visitor safety while attempting to minimise the economic disruption faced by local communities. The prolonged closures had taken a heavy toll on those whose livelihoods depend on tourism—from ponywalas and ATV operators to guides, transport providers, and small stall owners operating in remote destinations.

In areas such as Budgam district, internationally known destinations including Doodhpathri, Tosamaidan, and Yousmarg remained closed for months due to security concerns. Their shutdown meant nearly nine months of lost business for hundreds of young entrepreneurs and workers who had invested in tourism-related ventures, often through bank loans or government-backed schemes.

Some of these destinations have now begun reopening in phases. Doodhpathri, a scenic meadow located about 45 kilometres from Srinagar and popular for its alpine pastures and winter snowfall, recently resumed tourism activity after being closed since the attack. The reopening has offered a measure of relief to locals who depend on seasonal tourist inflows.

Tourism Infrastructure Push

Alongside reopening destinations, the government is also focusing on improving infrastructure at key tourist hubs. Authorities acknowledge that while iconic locations such as Pahalgam, Gulmarg, and Sonamarg attract large numbers of visitors every year, they continue to face gaps in basic amenities and visitor facilities.

Improving infrastructure—from sanitation facilities to visitor services—has therefore become a priority as the administration attempts to make tourism in the region more sustainable. The emphasis now is not only on attracting first-time visitors but also on ensuring that travellers return.

Tourism officials say repeat tourism is increasingly seen as the real indicator of a healthy travel ecosystem. Destinations such as Gulmarg and Sonamarg have already seen strong winter demand, with hotels operating at high occupancy levels during the snow season. Srinagar, too, has witnessed steady tourist footfall even during periods when access to certain destinations remained restricted.

Expanding Tourism Map

Beyond reopening previously closed destinations, the government is also looking to diversify the region’s tourism offerings. Plans are underway to develop nine new tourist destinations across Jammu and Kashmir under centrally funded initiatives, although their names are expected to be announced gradually.

Officials say the idea is to spread tourism benefits more evenly across the Union Territory rather than concentrating visitors in a handful of well-known locations. The strategy also includes developing tourism in Jammu, which already receives large numbers of pilgrims visiting the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine every year.

If even a small portion of this pilgrimage traffic can be encouraged to explore nearby destinations—such as Bhaderwah or emerging border tourism circuits—it could significantly boost local economies in the Jammu region.

Infrastructure projects are also taking shape in Jammu city itself. Developments such as the upcoming Jammu Lake project and the Jammu Riverfront—planned as a large-scale urban waterfront inspired by successful riverfront developments elsewhere in India—are nearing completion and are expected to add new recreational spaces for both residents and visitors.

Meanwhile, tourism planners are also trying to extend Kashmir’s travel calendar beyond its traditional summer peak. Winter tourism in destinations like Gulmarg has grown rapidly, while seasonal attractions such as Srinagar’s Tulip Garden have helped drive spring arrivals. More recently, the chrysanthemum garden Bagh-e-Gul-e-Dawood has drawn visitors during the otherwise quieter autumn months.

Together, these initiatives reflect a broader effort to reposition Kashmir as a year-round destination—one that offers snow-covered winter escapes, spring blooms, alpine summer landscapes, and autumn gardens, all within a single travel calendar.

(With inputs from various sources)

FAQs

1. Why were several tourist destinations in Kashmir closed?
They were shut after the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack as a precautionary security measure.

2. When will all the closed tourist destinations reopen?
The Jammu and Kashmir government expects all remaining destinations to reopen by May.

3. How many tourist destinations were closed after the attack?
Nearly 44 to 50 tourist spots across Kashmir were closed following the incident.

4. How many destinations have reopened so far?
Around 25 to 30 destinations have already reopened in a phased manner.

5. Are there plans to develop new tourist destinations in J&K?
Yes, the government plans to introduce nine new tourist destinations to diversify tourism across the region.