8 months ago
Kashmir Tourism Closures Hurt Livelihoods Despite Visitor Returns
Tourists are coming back to Gulmarg in Kashmir, but many other tourist spots are still closed.
This is making it hard for people who work in tourism, like hotel owners and pony operators, to earn money.
They say the closures are hurting their businesses and families.
Some places, like Doodhpathri, have been closed for a long time, and people are protesting because they need to work.
The government closed these places after a scary event happened, but now some people think it might be safe to open them again with better security.
Tourists are returning to Gulmarg, but many other destinations in Kashmir remain closed.
The continued closure of 20 tourist sites is hurting the livelihoods of tourism-dependent workers.
Protests have been staged by the Hotel and Restaurant Association of Doodhpathri against the prolonged closure.
The shutdown has affected various groups, including hotel owners, restaurant staff, pony operators, and small vendors.
Industry groups are urging authorities to reopen the remaining destinations, arguing that improved security could allow safe tourism activity.
- Who
- Tourism operators, hotel and restaurant associations, pony operators, and local vendors in Kashmir
- What
- Prolonged closure of tourist destinations in Kashmir despite the return of visitors to Gulmarg
- Where
- Gulmarg, Doodhpathri, and other tourist destinations in Kashmir
- When
- Closures began after the April 22, 2025 terror attack; current situation as of January 13, 2026
- Why
- Security concerns following the terror attack, but stakeholders argue for reopening with improved security measures
Key facts
- Location
- Gulmarg, Doodhpathri, Kashmir
- Closed Destinations
- 48 (28 reopened, 20 remain closed)
- Impacted Groups
- Hotel owners, restaurant staff, pony operators, transporters, tourist guides, small vendors
- Reason for Closure
- April 22, 2025 Pahalgam terror attack
- Current Season
- Peak winter
Quotes
A member of the Hotel and Restaurant Association of Doodhpathri
A representative of the Hotel and Restaurant Association of Doodhpathri, a group advocating for the reopening of the Doodhpathri tourist destination.
“The shutdown has pushed us to the brink. We are unable to repay bank loans or meet daily expenses, and hundreds of families dependent on tourism here are suffering. Keeping Doodhpathri shut is destroying our livelihoods.”
thehindubusinessline.com
An industry representative
A representative of the tourism industry in Kashmir, advocating for the reopening of closed tourist destinations.
“With peak winter underway, further delays could cause irreversible damage to small businesses already burdened by debt and rising operational costs.”
thehindubusinessline.com
Abdul Hameed
A pony operator from Yusmarg, Kashmir, whose livelihood is affected by the closure of tourist destinations.
“This is our only source of livelihood. The closure has forced many of us to borrow money just to survive.”
thehindubusinessline.com
