Peerzada Masarat Shah
April 30, 2025 | Srinagar
In the aftermath of the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, the Jammu and Kashmir administration has decided to temporarily close around 50 tourist destinations and trekking trails across the Valley. This precautionary move comes as part of a comprehensive security review, aimed at ensuring the safety of tourists and locals amid growing concerns over vulnerabilities in newly explored areas.
Top sources within the government revealed that this step is not just a reaction to the Pahalgam incident but part of a broader reassessment of security risks associated with many of the high-altitude and remote spots that have been opened to the public in recent years. Post-COVID, the government had launched a massive tourism revival effort, introducing as many as 75 new destinations to attract visitors and boost local employment through initiatives like homestays in rural areas. However, many of these picturesque locations — some on forest fringes or close to the Line of Control — lack permanent security setups. Tour operators had also begun offering treks through rugged terrains and high meadows, some of which have witnessed militant movement in the recent past.
Among the destinations now closed for tourists are Gurez Valley in Bandipora, Dodapathri and Yusmarg in Budgam, Bangus Valley in Kupwara, Verinag in Anantnag, Kousarnag Lake in Shopian, Kaman Post in Uri, and even Jamia Masjid in downtown Srinagar. The closures follow warnings from security agencies about increasing tourist activity in locations with potential militant presence. In the past as well, police had restricted travel to areas such as Daksum and Kokernag due to similar threats.
Security concerns were particularly heightened at Baisaran meadow, near Pahalgam, where the recent attack took place. Despite a large tourist footfall and the presence of a CRPF battalion in the vicinity, there was no deployment at the precise location of the attack. Following this, the administration has decided to introduce stricter access protocols at tourist spots, including establishing checkpoints at entry points and only permitting visitors to move within clearly marked, secured zones.
A senior official in the administration stated that the focus on tourism would continue, recognizing its importance to the local economy and as a means of engaging youth. However, he emphasized that safety remains the top priority. The government is planning to categorize tourist destinations based on risk and security requirements, with phased reopening depending on preparedness and threat perception. Places with existing armed force deployment and no history of militant activity may be reopened sooner than others.
Meanwhile, the public is being assured that all major and popular tourist locations across Jammu and Kashmir remain open. Gulmarg, including Drung, Tangmarg, and the Gondola, continues to welcome visitors. In Pahalgam, tourists can still access Lidder market, Selfie Point, Rafting Point, and Apple Valley in Srigufwara. Sonmarg, along with its famed Thajiwas Glacier, also remains accessible. Srinagar’s most cherished locations — Boulevard Road, Gagribal, Dalgate, Nishat Garden, Botanical Garden, Chashmashahi, Pari Mahal, Shalimar Garden, Lal Chowk, Poloview, and Dachigam National Park — are all open to the public.
Several safe and scenic offbeat locations also remain operational. These include Athwatoo, Wullar Vantage Park, Pir Ki Gali and Dubjan in Hirpora, Padshahi Bagh and Dara Sikwa in Bijbehara, Manasbal Park, Kokernag Garden, and the Mughal Garden at Achabal. While the closures might affect adventure tourism in the short term, the administration assures that these measures are temporary and necessary for long-term safety and sustainability of tourism in the Valley.
Repeated attempts to reach Tourism Secretary Yasha Mudgal for an official comment were unsuccessful. As the region balances the twin goals of safety and tourism revival, the coming weeks are expected to witness a detailed review of security protocols and operational guidelines for eco-tourism and adventure travel across Jammu and Kashmir.
