Tourism in the Valley was hit after the attack on Pahargam and subsequent military action by India against Pakistan, leading to widespread booking cancellations – over 90% across sector | Photo credit: Imran Nissar
Future Amarnath Yatra is seen as an important opportunity in Kashmir to bring life to life the valley tourism sector, facing a major recession following the recent Pahargam terrorist attacks.
The annual Hindu pilgrimage to the Himalayas Cave Shrine is scheduled to begin on July 3rd and end on August 9th. Over 300,000 followers are already registered for the 38-day event.
Local service providers, including pony operators, taxi drivers, parankin bearers and hoteliers, are preparing for an influx of pilgrims and hoping to recover their business.
“As every year, we are ready to welcome Amarnath pilgrims with open arms,” said Gulzar Ahmad Wani, president of Taxi Stand No. 2 in Pahargam.
According to industry insiders, it was hit after the attack on Pahargam and subsequent military action by India against Pakistan.
Pahalgam pony operator Rafi Ahmad said the recession caused many workers to be idle. “We’ve not been at work since the attack. Now we’re looking to Yatra season in the hopes that things will improve,” he said.
Over 1,600 pony operators work in Pahargam, many of whom rely heavily on the arrival of tourists during the pilgrimage season. Hundreds of Palunkin bearers and porters are also engaged in supporting Yatra.
Last year, over 13,000 Palkiwaras, Pituwara, Dandis and horses were registered with the Ministry of Labor for pilgrimage from the Baltal route. Yatras take place along two tracks, a route 48 km from Pahargam and a shorter, steeper 14 km route from Baltal in Ganderbal district.
Kashmir’s tourism sector has faced some disruption in recent years. Following the revocation of Article 370 in August 2019 and the divergence into two union territories, Jammu and Kashmir, the tourism industry in the region fell sharply. However, since then, the tourism sector has grown significantly in 2024 in a region that welcomes 23.5 million tourists. In the first three months of 2025, more than 500,000 tourists visited the valley, according to official data.
Nasir Akram Wani, chairman of the Indian Tour Operators Association (Kashmir branch), told the business line that peaceful and well-managed yatras will help restore travelers’ trust.
“Successful Yatras will send a positive message and help them rebuild trust among planners visiting Kashmir,” he said.
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Released on June 12, 2025
