Unsteady tourism, cloudbursts, and hope: A year later, how Pahalgam is surviving

One year has passed since a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, a popular tourist destination in Jammu and Kashmir, but the impact of the April 22, 2025 incident is still felt. Despite the surge in tourism between April and June, recent rains have dampened visitor numbers, creating challenges for the local economy. Hotels have cut tariffs by 30 to 40 percent to encourage tourism, and the deputy director of J&K Tourism notes that most tourists are from South India.

However, the suspension of the Amarnath Yatra due to a cloudburst has further affected the local economy. The attack has made tourists more cautious, with locals like Adil Shah, brother of one of the 26 victims, reporting a significant decrease in tourism demand. Despite the challenges, sightseeing spots remain closed for security reasons, and pony riders are struggling due to the lack of tourists. The village of Hapat Nar, where Shah is from, relies heavily on tourism for employment.