SRINAGAR — One month after the tragic terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives, the picturesque valleys of Kashmir are slowly welcoming back visitors, offering signs of revival in a region where tourism is not just an industry but a lifeline.
Groups of tourists, particularly from Maharashtra and Gujarat, have begun arriving at the famed resorts of Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Sonamarg, breaking the eerie silence that gripped the region after the April 22 attack in Baisaran meadows.
The attack, which killed 25 tourists and a local, triggered mass cancellations, derailing what was expected to be a strong tourism season. Bookings evaporated, visitors fled mid-trip, and fear hung heavy in the air.
Now, however, the mood is shifting.
Leading from the front, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has visited key tourist spots and held high-level meetings in Pahalgam and Gulmarg, sending a strong message of reassurance. His visible engagement has helped soften public apprehension and boost confidence among tourists and stakeholders alike.
“People are coming back. The Chief Minister’s presence has sent a positive signal,” said Asif Burza, a hotelier with properties across Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam. “We’ve seen tourists rebooking, and companies are inquiring about hosting events here.”
Among the returning travelers is Afsa Malik from Gandhinagar, Gujarat. “We see no fear here. Security is tight, and people are warm and welcoming,” she said. Her group of 17 visited Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Dal Lake.
Mohammad Aftab, also from Gujarat, echoed her view. “We had some hesitation, but videos from other tourists encouraged us. The beauty and hospitality are beyond what we imagined.”
Tour operators from across India, especially Maharashtra, are working to restore Kashmir’s image. Familiarization tours and promotional campaigns are underway to shift perception and reignite interest.
While the shadow of the attack lingers, the valley is once again resonating with voices of awe and laughter — tentative, but hopeful.
