Is Kashmir Safe to Visit Right Now?
The answer is not simple — it’s both yes and no.
From March to June, Kashmir typically sees its best tourist season. However, a tragic incident on 22nd April 2025 — a targeted terrorist attack against Hindu tourists at Baisaran Valley, Pahalgam — has changed the situation dramatically. Based on that, the answer is, for now, a cautious “NO.”
Current Situation in Kashmir After the Attack
Currently, Baisaran Valley — one of the key highlights of Kashmir tourism — is completely sealed off to visitors by security forces. The area is under NIA investigation, and an intense search operation is ongoing. Authorities have blocked the road leading to the horse ride starting point — about 6 km before the valley.
Following the attack, a large number of tourists have left Pahalgam and even even other parts of Kashmir. Until just before the incident, hotels in Pahalgam were almost fully booked through mid-June, but now, the scene has turned grim, with mass cancellations for the upcoming months.
At present, around 600 taxis are sitting idle at the Pahalgam taxi stand — a sharp contrast to the situation before 21st April 2025, when finding a rented car was difficult due to heavy tourist traffic.
On 27th April, a small group of tourists was seen arriving in Pahalgam. These visitors had been in Srinagar or other parts of Kashmir on the day of the attack and chose to continue their tour after a few days’ wait. They are exploring other tourist spots in Pahalgam, but Baisaran Valley remains inaccessible.
Is Kashmir Safe to Visit Right Now? The Positive Sides
Up until 26th April 2025, the situation remained largely unchanged — even Dal Lake appeared almost deserted, with hardly any tourists in sight. However, according to the latest updates from 28th April, tourist activities are gradually returning to normal in Srinagar and other popular destinations like Gulmarg. Pahalgam, however, still remains affected.
Security forces are maintaining a strong presence and continuous patrols across most tourist areas to ensure a safe and peaceful experience for visitors. Meanwhile, local taxi drivers, tour operators, and others involved in the tourism industry are extending exceptional courtesy and respect to tourists during this sensitive time.
Given the current situation, you can consider visiting Kashmir now.
You will experience a less crowded, more serene Kashmir — but you’ll have to miss out on Baisaran Valley, the famed “Mini Switzerland,” as it remains closed for now.
Considerable Negative Aspects Before Visiting Kashmir
Now, let’s talk about the negative aspects.
Following the recent terrorist attack, another incident is unlikely at this moment because the police, army, and security forces are on high alert. The Kashmir government is making every effort to provide maximum security to tourists to prevent any repeat of such incidents.
However, it’s not always easy to enjoy a vacation when you are constantly surrounded by soldiers and security checks.
While this visible security presence does offer a sense of safety, it can also create a feeling of unease.
Moreover, the reality remains that Kashmir is not entirely free of terrorist threats.
Post-incident military operations have revealed that many terrorists are still hiding across the region, and alarmingly, a part of the local Kashmiri population has ties to terrorist activities. In such an environment, it’s hard to realize who is trustworthy and who is not.
Additionally, several areas, particularly Pahalgam, should be avoided at this time.
In case, you had planned an offbeat Kashmir trip, it is strongly discouraged right now because these lesser-known locations often lack sufficient security, making them potentially life-threatening.
Therefore, based on the current situation, the recommendation is clear: “NO,” you should not visit Kashmir until the government officially declares it completely safe.
If You Still Haven’t Canceled Your Kashmir Trip…
If you have already booked your trip to Kashmir for May 2025 and have not yet canceled your plans, there might be a good reason — you still want to take a chance and experience the heavenly beauty of Kashmir without the usual crowds.
In that case, there are a couple of options available:
Option 1:
Wait and watch the situation carefully in the days leading up to your travel date.
If everything stabilizes and conditions improve, you can proceed with your Kashmir trip as planned.
(We will continue to provide updates here at Travel Entice.)
Option 2:
If the situation still seems uncertain or tense, you can go for Plan B.
Cancel your hotel bookings in Kashmir, but keep your flight or train tickets.
Then, choose an alternative destination that you can easily reach from Srinagar Airport or Jammu Railway Station.
In this article, we will also suggest some nearby alternative destinations that you can consider for your trip, ensuring a safe and memorable experience.
Is Kashmir Safe to Visit Right Now — Final Words
While Kashmir remains one of the most breathtaking destinations in India, safety must always come first. In light of the recent tragic incidents, it’s wise to stay updated and cautious. If the situation improves and authorities give an all-clear, you can look forward to experiencing Kashmir’s unmatched beauty with fewer crowds. However, if uncertainty remains, choosing an alternative nearby destination can still offer you a peaceful and memorable journey.
Travel smart, stay safe, and let your wanderlust guide you — wisely.
