Kashmir’s hotels are brimming with guests, a vivid marker of a Valley stepping out from decades of strife. Tourists have flocked to its snow-capped peaks and serene lakes in unprecedented numbers, signaling a profound shift. Sporadic terror incidents in recent years—though jarring—have failed to derail this momentum. The people of Kashmir, once caught in a cycle of violence, have largely turned their backs on militancy, choosing instead the hum of daily life: bustling markets, thriving handicrafts, and open schools. This is no mere lull; it’s a deliberate embrace of peace.
The surge tells only part of the story. Behind it lies a resilience forged through years of hardship. Each visitor—whether from Mumbai or abroad—represents a vote of confidence in Kashmir’s stability. Hotels, once dormant, now struggle to keep up, while locals greet the chaos with a mix of exhaustion and pride. Yet, challenges loom: infrastructure creaks under the tourist rush, and the central government must ensure prosperity reaches beyond urban centers. Security, too, remains a tightrope walk. But as spring unfurls in 2025, Kashmir stands at a crossroads—not as a conflict zone, but as a testament to human tenacity. The world is watching, and the Valley is ready.
