Kashmir tourist exodus follows Pahalgam terror attack, raising fears for fragile peace

The attack in Pahalgam drives thousands of tourists out of Kashmir, threatening the region’s reputation as a safe travel destination.

Paramilitary troopers stand guard after gunmen killed at least 20 tourists at a popular resort in Pahalgam, about 100 kilometers from Srinagar, in Kashmir, India, on April 23, 2025. Photo by Saqib Majeed/SOPA Images

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

The Kashmir tourist exodus began in earnest on Wednesday, just a day after a deadly assault claimed the lives of 26 men in Pahalgam — a picturesque hill station in the Indian-administered region long touted as a haven for summer travelers. The shocking attack has left the lush meadows and pine-draped landscapes of Pahalgam deserted, threatening to reverse the image of stability that Indian authorities have worked hard to project over the past few years.

In 2024, a record 3.5 million tourists visited Kashmir, most of them domestic travelers drawn to the cool climate and stunning natural beauty of the Himalayas. Indian officials had hailed the boom in visitors as proof that normalcy had returned to the Muslim-majority region following the controversial revocation of its limited autonomy in 2019. However, Tuesday’s massacre — the worst assault on civilians in Kashmir since 2000 — has shaken that narrative.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah confirmed the Kashmir tourist exodus on Wednesday, noting that thousands of panicked visitors had begun fleeing the region in the aftermath of the attack.

“It’s heartbreaking to see the exodus of our guests from the valley after yesterday’s tragic terror attack in Pahalgam,” Abdullah said in a statement, “but at the same time we totally understand why people would want to leave.”

Pahalgam descends into fear after deadly assault

The attack has left an indelible mark on Pahalgam, once regarded as a crown jewel of Kashmir’s travel industry. On Wednesday morning, the once-busy tourist town was eerily quiet. Military helicopters thundered overhead, and armored convoys patrolled the roads. The site of the attack remained sealed off, with forensic teams examining the area while soldiers stood guard.

Stains of dried blood could still be seen along the road where the gunmen struck, killing 26 men in cold blood. No group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack, but India has historically blamed Pakistan for backing the insurgents operating in Kashmir — a claim Islamabad continues to deny.

Despite the silence from militant organizations, the implications of the Pahalgam terror attack are already being felt across the region. The government has ramped up security operations, and a massive manhunt is underway to track down the perpetrators.

Tourism collapse looms as hoteliers report mass cancellations

Just days ago, hotels in Pahalgam were fully booked. Summer is typically peak season in the valley, with travelers flocking from the hot plains of India to enjoy Kashmir’s cool air and stunning views. But within hours of the shooting, many hotels had empty rooms, and the phones at front desks rang with cancellation after cancellation.

Hotel Mount View manager Abdul Salam told AFP that the tragedy has triggered a complete collapse of bookings.

“This tragedy will paralyse business in Kashmir,” he said. “We are trying hard to reassure our customers who may still want to come, but most are choosing to cancel.”

Salam added that the loss of tourism could have a devastating ripple effect on the local economy. From cab drivers to tour guides and market vendors, thousands rely on the annual wave of visitors to make a living.

Evacuation efforts accelerate amid rising fear

India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation responded quickly to the unfolding crisis. Director General Faiz Ahmed Kidwai issued an urgent appeal to airlines, asking them to expand flight services to help with the tourist exodus. Air India answered the call, adding more flights to accommodate the growing number of travelers desperate to return home.

Tourist Paras Sawla, visiting from Mumbai, said he was trying to catch the earliest flight out.

“Many of us are fearful after the attack,” Sawla said. “But what hurts the most is seeing how devastated the local people are. They’ve gone out of their way to help us, even in the midst of their own grief.”

Sawla added that Kashmiri hospitality remained unchanged despite the chaos. “We are not scared of the public here. They are very supportive, helping out with whatever we need.”

Fragile peace in Kashmir under threat

The recent violence has reopened deep wounds in Kashmir, a region marked by decades of conflict and political strife. Since 1989, an armed insurgency has sought either independence from India or a merger with Pakistan. Although violence had declined in recent years — particularly after the 2019 revocation of Kashmir’s special status — militant attacks have persisted.

India currently maintains an estimated 500,000 troops in Kashmir, making it one of the most heavily militarized zones in the world. The attack in Pahalgam is a grim reminder of how volatile the region remains, despite the veneer of normalcy created by tourism campaigns and development projects.

Authorities have invested heavily in promoting Kashmir as a year-round tourist destination, offering skiing in Gulmarg in winter and scenic treks through the valleys in summer. Even areas near the de facto Line of Control with Pakistan have seen new resort development — a bold move intended to showcase peace. Now, those ambitions face a serious test.

Diplomatic tensions reignited

The violence is likely to inflame tensions between India and Pakistan. India has not officially attributed responsibility for the Pahalgam attack, but in similar past incidents, New Delhi has accused Islamabad of harboring or aiding militants.

Pakistan denies involvement and claims it only provides moral and diplomatic support for the Kashmiri people's right to self-determination.

In the coming days, both countries are expected to trade diplomatic barbs as India ramps up security and Pakistan defends its position. Meanwhile, the people of Kashmir — especially those who rely on tourism — are bracing for uncertain times.

The Kashmir tourist exodus following the Pahalgam terror attack underscores the fragility of peace in a region often portrayed as a paradise. The human cost is already apparent: lives lost, families grieving, and an economy at risk of collapse. While tourists flee and soldiers hunt down gunmen, the future of Kashmir’s tourism-driven resurgence now hangs in the balance — and with it, the delicate hope for lasting peace.

This latest tragedy serves as a grim reminder that while the landscape of Kashmir may resemble “Little Switzerland,” its political reality remains far more turbulent.