A year after a harrowing terrorist attack cast a dark shadow over the scenic beauty of Pahalgam, the popular tourist destination in Jammu and Kashmir is experiencing a remarkable resurgence. On April 22, 2025, the Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam became the site of a brutal assault by Lashkar-e-Toiba cadres, which claimed the lives of 26 individuals, predominantly tourists. The incident triggered a significant exodus of visitors from the region, leading authorities to temporarily close nearly 50 tourist spots. Following a comprehensive security audit, some of these locations were gradually reopened, paving the way for the area’s recovery.
Now, approximately twelve months later, the famed meadows of Pahalgam are once again alive with the sounds of tourists. Visitors are flocking to the ‘Mini Switzerland’ of Anantnag district, a testament to the region’s resilience and its ability to overcome the trauma of the previous year’s violence. The renewed influx of tourists signals a significant shift, with visitors expressing confidence in the enhanced security measures and the enduring allure of the landscape. As per information available with TahirRihat.com, the return of tourists underscores a growing sense of security and a desire to experience the natural splendor of Kashmir.
Ashutosh Kosaria, a tourist from Chhattisgarh, shared his positive experience, stating, “It feels really good to be here. I never imagined such vast plains at this altitude. We’ve been to Manali, Gangtok, and the Northeast, but we didn’t expect such open grounds here. The security arrangements are excellent.” Kosaria, hailing from a state that has grappled with Left-Wing Extremism, expressed familiarity with a strong security presence, drawing parallels to the Army’s deployment in Bastar. He added, “We’re from Chhattisgarh. We have seen the Army in Bastar. It’s the same here. We faced no problems at all.” The memory of the attack did not deter his family, with Kosaria remarking, “So many people live here. You can see the whole city from a temple above. It’s hard to believe that such things (terror attacks) can happen here.” He offered a recommendation for prospective visitors, suggesting, “I think this is a part of India that everyone should see. It’s so beautiful. If you are planning a trip, keep at least 10-15 days to explore the region.”
Tanushree Dutta from Kolkata echoed similar sentiments regarding the security apparatus in Kashmir. (Daily Excelsior reported that Dutta said,) “The security is excellent. We visited Gulmarg, Sonmarg and Pahalgam. We were not deterred by last year’s terror attack. What matters is we are here now, and the place is secure.” She elaborated on the perceived safety, stating, “Maybe it was risky back then, but not now. The Army and police are everywhere – they helped us a lot. We also saw snowfall in Gulmarg, and I can’t describe the feeling. There’s nothing to worry about.” Her experience highlights a broader trend of returning confidence among travelers.
Pradeep Malik from Panipat in Haryana corroborated these observations, noting the pervasive security. (According to Daily Excelsior, Malik stated,) “The security is tight everywhere. The logistics are very good. It seems there is no impact of last year’s terror attack. In fact, the security is tighter now.” Malik’s perspective suggests that the incident has led to a reinforced security presence, which in turn has reassured potential visitors. He further commented, “I think everyone should visit Kashmir once. It doesn’t feel like we’re in our own country. There are check-posts everywhere, with a heavy presence of Army personnel. Earlier, we were apprehensive about visiting Kashmir, but not anymore. There’s no fear.” This sentiment indicates a significant shift in perception regarding safety in the region.
Amaan Imran from Rajasthan also indicated that the Pahalgam incident did not significantly influence his decision to visit the Valley. (Daily Excelsior reported that Imran said,) “The place itself is beautiful. The security arrangements are excellent. There are Army posts at short distances. There’s nothing to be scared of.” His statement reinforces the idea that the natural beauty of Pahalgam, coupled with visible security measures, is a strong draw for tourists.
The return of tourists to the Valley is attributed to a confluence of factors, including a marked improvement in the security situation, the reopening of numerous tourist sites, the successful inauguration of the Vande Bharat train service connecting Katra and Srinagar, and the smooth completion of the Amarnath Yatra in the preceding year. These developments have collectively contributed to restoring confidence and encouraging travel to the region, signaling a robust recovery for Pahalgam and the wider Jammu and Kashmir tourism sector.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.