Pahalgam Struggles with Tourist Numbers One Year After Attack
Pahalgam, a beautiful hill station in Kashmir, is seeing a significant drop in tourist visits a year after a tragic attack that impacted the area. This once-bustling destination, known for its stunning landscapes, has not seen the same crowds it used to.
Before the attack, Pahalgam welcomed between 3,000 and 5,000 tourists every day. However, recent data shows a stark decline. From May 2025 to April 15, 2026, the town counted just 430,495 visitors, a sharp decrease from previous years when annual numbers were around 1.2 to 1.5 million, with monthly visitors averaging 100,000 to 110,000.
In April 2025, just before the incident, around 137,000 tourists had already visited Pahalgam. Comparatively, data from January to April 2026 shows only 254,930 visitors during the same months, a drop of nearly 45% from the previous year, indicating a serious decline in tourism.
Despite the downturn, a new memorial near Pahalgam’s popular “Selfie Point” has become a poignant attraction. This memorial, constructed by the Jammu and Kashmir government, honors the 26 tourists who lost their lives in the attack, creating a space for remembrance rather than leisure.
Visitors often gather along the banks of the Lidder River, enjoying the scenery like before—taking photos, snacking, and dipping their feet in the water. However, when they approach the memorial, the mood changes. Many stand quietly, reading the names etched in stone, while others capture the somber moment with their phones.
Among the names is Atul Shrikant Mone and Syed Adil Hussain Shah, who sadly lost his life while trying to save tourists. Ravi C, a first-time visitor from Karnataka, brought his young child to the memorial, capturing a salute to those who were lost. Ayaan from Mumbai emphasized that he was not deterred by violence, stating, “Incidents happen.”
Kuldeep Singh, a driver from Punjab, noticed his guests also paying their respects. Kantarajpa, a retired Army officer from Bengaluru, expressed his wish to see the place firsthand, unaffected by last year’s events.
At the local tourist reception center, officials noted that while the months following the attack saw nearly no visitors, there’s hope as tourism appears to be returning. “Hotel owners had closed their businesses, but with consistent government efforts, we’re starting to see improvements,” one official shared.
Pahalgam still boasts considerable tourism infrastructure, with approximately 107 hotels and 100 guesthouses, but many unregistered accommodations remain. With time, the hope is that Pahalgam will reclaim its former vibrancy and continue welcoming visitors from all over.
