Kashmir Tourism Updates: 48 tourist sites closed in Kashmir (see detailed news below)
In our previous update dated 28 April 2025, we reported that tourist activities in Kashmir were gradually returning to normal, despite a significant wave of booking cancellations following the recent terror attack in Pahalgam. Increased security presence was noted at major tourist spots, with a heavy deployment of forces aimed at ensuring maximum safety for visitors.
According to the latest update on 29 April 2025, the Jammu and Kashmir government has ordered the closure of 48 out of 87 tourist sites across the region (including tourist destinations, hotels, restaurants, and parks). This precautionary move follows credible threats of further terror attacks targeting security personnel, non-local individuals, and members of the Kashmiri Pandit community—particularly in the Srinagar and Ganderbal districts.
The tourist sites now off-limits include Dooshpathri, Kokernag, Duksum, Sinthan Top, Acchabal, Bangus Valley, Margan Top, Tosamaidan, among others. For the full list of closed locations, please refer to the section below.
Intelligence agencies have issued a high-alert warning indicating that several sleeper cells across North, Central, and South Kashmir have been activated and are planning a large-scale, high-impact attack. This escalation is believed to be in retaliation for the recent demolition of terrorists’ houses by Indian Forces, following the Pahalgam incident.
According to credible sources, militants have reportedly received direct orders from higher command to initiate operations. Their primary targets appear to be non-local individuals—especially tourists—but officials have not ruled out the possibility of attacks on non-resident employees, including those from the railway department and other government or private sectors. Notably, the threat is expected to be particularly directed toward non-Muslim citizens. As a precaution, such individuals have been advised to remain within the safety of designated camps or secure locations.
In response, the Jammu and Kashmir government has closed 48 tourist sites and ramped up security at key tourist hubs, including Gulmarg, Sonamarg, Pahalgam, and Dal Lake. Anti-terror (anti-fidayeen) squads, mainly from the Jammu and Kashmir Police’s Special Operations Group, have been deployed to safeguard these sensitive areas.
List of destinations closed
- Wular/Watlab
- Bangus Valley
- Tous maidan
- Yousmarg
- Rampora and Rajpora
- Chearhar
- Verinag Garden
- North cliff cafe and retreat by Stay Pattern
- Doodpathri
- Aharbal
- Kousarnag
- Kariwan Diver Chandigam
- Mundij-Hamam-Markoot Waterfall
- Khampoo
- Bosnia
- Vijitop
- Sun Temple
- Verinag Garden
- Sinthan Top
- Margantop
- Akad Park
- Habba Khatoon Point
- Babareshi
- Ringawali
- Gogaldara
- Baderkote
- Shrunz Waterfall
- Kamanpost, Namblan Waterfall
- Eco Park Khadniyar
- Sangarwani
- Jamia Masjid
- Badamwari
- Rajori Kadal Hotel Kanaaz
- Aali Kadal JJ Food Restaurant
- IVORY Hotel
- Padshapal resorts and restaurant
- Cherry tree resort (Faqir Gujri)
- Forest Hill Cottage
- Eco village resort (Dara)
- Astanmarg View Point
- Astanmarg Paragliding
- Mamneth and Mahadev Hills
- Buddhist Monastery
- Dachigam – Beyond Trout Farm / Fisheries Farm Astanpora
- Qayam Gah resort
- Lachpatri
- Hung Park
- Naranag
All the trekking and hiking trails are closed as well.
Kashmiri locals were already gripped by fear as a wave of tourist cancellations threatened their primary source of income. The anticipated downturn in tourism raised serious concerns about livelihoods in the region. Just a day after the Pahalgam attack, residents across various parts of Jammu and Kashmir staged spontaneous protests condemning the violence and expressing solidarity with the victims.
On 26th April, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed deep regret, taking full responsibility for the security lapse. He acknowledged that he had encouraged tourists to visit Kashmir but failed to ensure their safety. “I have no words to apologize to the victims,” he said. Highlighting the widespread public outcry, he added, “From Kathua to Kupwara, there is no town or village where people did not protest, and this is spontaneous.
With the recent activation of sleeper cells and the government’s decision to shut down 48 tourist destinations, the situation has further worsened for the Kashmiri locals, especially for those whose livelihoods depend on tourism.
However, the recent updates of activation of sleeper cells followed by closing 48 tourist sites will increase the trouble of the locals, at least for those who were directly or indirectly involved in tourism business.
