Kashmir Impulse Desk

Pahalgam, April 21 

A year after a deadly attack brought Kashmir’s hill resort of Pahalgam to a halt, tourists are gradually returning, offering fragile hope to a local economy heavily dependent on visitors.

The resort, known for its alpine meadows and riverfront views, is showing early signs of revival. 

Markets have reopened, ponies once again traverse popular trails, and small groups of tourists are returning to scenic spots along the Lidder River.

“We just sat by the river for hours. There is a strange peace here,” said Kishore Nayak, a tourist from the eastern state of Odisha.

On April 22 last year, gunmen attacked tourists in the Baisran meadows, about 6 km from the town centre, killing 25 visitors and a local pony operator. 

The incident sent shockwaves across the region and led to a sharp drop in tourist arrivals.

In the months that followed, hotels emptied and tourism-linked livelihoods collapsed. 

“For six months, there was nothing here,” said Qasim Khan, a pony handler. “Now even a few tourists feel like hope returning.”

Authorities have since reopened nearby destinations such as Aru Valley and Betaab Valley, which had remained shut for weeks after the attack, though Baisran continues to be closed.

Tourists say they feel reassured by the hospitality of locals. 

“We don’t feel scared. Everyone has been incredibly kind,” said Alok Gupta, visiting from Bihar with his family.

Subhajoy Roy, a visitor from West Bengal, said the warmth of residents stood out. 

“People here look out for you. You can feel the sincerity,” he said.

Local businesses are making efforts to rebuild confidence. 

Some restaurant owners are offering free traditional kehwa tea and snacks to visitors as a gesture of welcome.

“This is our way of telling tourists they are safe and wanted,” said Syed Nadeem, who runs a restaurant in the town.

Hotel occupancy remains significantly below pre-attack levels. 

“Bookings are around 30 percent compared to last year, but the important thing is that people are returning,” said hotelier Liyaqat Banday.

For many residents, the recovery is about more than business. 

“Kashmiris are known for their hospitality. Violence is not who we are,” said Majid Bazaz, a local resident.

While visitor numbers remain modest and memories of the attack linger, locals say even a small uptick in tourism marks a step toward recovery for the resort town.