Raja Syed Rather
Sonamarg, May 3: The persistent flow of tourists at Sonamarg, one of the most scenic hill stations in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district, has declined following the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, thereby casting a shadow over the region’s tourism sector.
A deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22 claimed the lives of 26 people, mostly tourists, and left many others injured.
In the wake of the attack, the major tourist destinations across the Kashmir Valley, including Sonamarg, have witnessed a significant decline in tourist arrivals.
Once-busy streets and marketplaces have fallen quiet. Shops are deserted, and hotels have reported near-total cancellations.
Following the attack, the government swiftly heightened security measures across the region. According to reports, increased security deployments are now in place, especially at major tourist hotspots, in a bid to reassure visitors and prevent further incidents.
Despite the drop in numbers, a few tourists remain undeterred.
Over the past couple of days, Sonamarg has continued to host a small number of tourists, who have taken in the breathtaking beauty of the snow-covered landscape.
Among them is a family from Ahmedabad, who described the Pahalgam incident as “an unfortunate and tragic event,” but emphasized that such acts should not prevent people from experiencing Kashmir.
“We have visited Kashmir along with our family and the hospitality of the Kashmiri people is unbelievable. They welcomed us with smiles. We urge the people of India: don’t be afraid—come to Kashmir and enjoy its beauty.”
It’s worth mentioning that prior to the attack; Sonamarg witnessed a surge in tourism. In early 2025, from January 1 to March 10, a total of 1,33,854 tourists visited the picturesque place.
In January alone, 55,934 tourists arrived, including 1,114 foreign nationals and an equal number of domestic travellers.
February maintained the momentum with 57,186 tourists, comprising 2,019 foreign visitors and 1,565 local tourists. The first 10 days of March added another 20,734 visitors to the count.
Notably, nearly 8 lakh tourists had visited Sonamarg throughout 2024 — a sign of strong recovery and growing interest in the Valley’s tourism offerings.
As the Valley copes with the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack, both officials and locals are hopeful that peace will prevail and the tourism sector will soon return to its upward trend.
