48 tourist spots in Kashmir closed after Pahalgam attack
SRINAGAR: J&K govt has shut down 48 of its 87 tourist destinations across Kashmir valley following the April 22 terrorist attack near the resort town of Pahalgam that left 26 people dead — 25 of them tourists.
Authorities have ramped up security across the region, deploying paramilitary forces at key locations, but officials said Tuesday that nearly half of all tourist sites have been closed to the public due to safety concerns.
Among the destinations shut are the alpine Kounsarnag lake in the Pir Panjal range of Kulgam district, cascading Aharbal waterfalls in Kulgam, high-altitude Doodhpathri meadows in Budgam, and the scenic valleys of Bangus in Kupwara and Verinag in Anantnag.
Baba Reshi shrine on the road between Tangmarg and Gulmarg, Shrunz falls in Gulmarg, historic sun temple at Kheribal in Anantnag, and the Naranag ruins in Ganderbal district — known for their ancient stone temples — have also been sealed off. These areas are prized for their natural beauty, trekking routes, and spiritual significance.
Gurez Valley in Bandipora, near the LoC and known for its remote beauty, has been closed to non-locals. In Budgam, the forested trekking destination Yusmarg is also off-limits.
However, some areas remain accessible under heightened surveillance. Wular Vintage Park on the banks of Wular lake in Bandipora is open with paramilitary patrols, while Pir Ki Gali in Shopian district is operational with reinforced security.
In Srinagar, major attractions such as Botanical Garden, Chashma Shahi (a Mughal garden with stunning views of Dal lake), and Pari Mahal atop the Zabarwan mountain range overlooking the city are still open but are under strict security cover.
Sources said some of the shutdowns are temporary, but others may remain closed indefinitely depending on the threat assessment.
Some destinations were closed immediately after the attack, while others followed suit in the ensuing days, but the full list was released Tuesday. Officials said this is likely the most extensive tourist advisory issued in the region in decades.
The closures deal a major blow to the region's tourism-dependent economy, as many of the affected spots are popular draws for both domestic and international visitors.
Kashmir has recently seen a surge in tourism, with nearly 35 lakh tourist arrivals last year, including over 5 lakh Amarnath pilgrims. This year alone, Srinagar's Tulip Garden has witnessed a massive influx of both domestic and foreign tourists since it opened on March 26, with more than 8 lakh visitors in a month.
Several hotels and restaurants have also closed operations, further impacting tourism revenue.
The region has seen major investment in the tourism sector, particularly in the construction of guesthouses and hotels. The record tourist numbers have encouraged even residents in remote areas to convert their houses into homestays.
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