Kashmir's Adventure Tourism Silenced by Security Concerns

Adventure tourism in Kashmir, a significant contributor to the Valley's economy for nearly two decades, has fallen silent. Following security incidents, including the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor, all trekking routes across Kashmir have been closed. This has brought the once-booming industry to a near standstill, devastating local entrepreneurs and staff.

These closures have had a profound impact on businesses that invested heavily in trekking logistics and mountaineering infrastructure. Previously, popular routes like the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek, Kolahoi Glacier Trek, and Tarsar Marsar Trek attracted thousands of tourists annually, generating employment for guides, porters, and support staff. Many companies have since downsized significantly, with some owners relocating to other tourist destinations like Manali or Ladakh in search of business.

While the government had previously promoted adventure tourism, opening up numerous trekking routes, the current situation leaves little clarity on when operations might resume. A tourism department official stated that decisions on reopening trekking routes are beyond their jurisdiction, with activities like rafting now restricted to specific locations. The prolonged closure has effectively led to the loss of the primary trekking season.