Unsteady tourism, cloudbursts, and hope: A year later, how Pahalgam is surviving
One year after a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, the region is cautiously recovering from the economic blow. The April 22, 2025, assault in Baisaran Valley claimed 26 lives and sent tourism in turmoil. Despite the ongoing threat, tourism numbers have slowly rebounded, with 163,410 visitors recorded in April 2026—20 percent lower than the same period in 2025.
Domestic tourists, however, have remained steady, with 818 more visitors arriving compared to last year. International tourists accounted for only 1 percent of the total, mostly from Bangladesh. Hoteliers have slashed prices by 30 to 40 percent to maintain visitor numbers, but weather conditions are now hampering the recovery. The Amarnath Yatra, which typically boosts tourism income, has been suspended due to cloudbursts on the Pahalgam and Baltal routes, leaving locals anxious.
Despite the uncertainty, the region's dependence on tourism remains strong, with locals struggling to find alternative livelihoods.
Written by urgent.news from The Indian Express's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
