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Amarnath Yatra revives hope in Kashmir’s tourism sector hit by Pahalgam attack
- The annual Amarnath Yatra pilgrimage to the Himalayan cave shrine set to begin on July 3 has already attracted over 3,00,000 devotees for the 38-day event.
- Local service providers in Kashmir, such as pony operators, cab drivers, palanquin bearers, and hoteliers, are gearing up for the pilgrimage season in hopes of a business revival.
- Economic repercussions of the Pahalgam attack continue to affect the region, with a significant decline in tourism bookings.
- The Pahalgam attack and subsequent military actions caused over 90% of booking cancellations across various sectors in Kashmir.
- Tourism workers like pony operators and palanquin bearers are looking forward to the Amarnath Yatra season with hopes of improved business.
- More than 1,600 pony operators in Pahalgam rely on the pilgrimage season for livelihood, alongside hundreds of palanquin bearers and porters.
- The Yatra follows two routes - a 48-km path from Pahalgam and a shorter 14-km route from Baltal in Ganderbal district.
- Kashmir's tourism industry faced disruptions post the revocation of Article 370 in August 2019, leading to a drop in tourist activity.
- Recent years have shown growth in tourism, with over 23.5 million tourists visiting in 2024, and 500,000 tourists in the first three months of 2025.
- Nasir Akram Wani of the Tour Operators Association of India (Kashmir Chapter) notes that a successful and peaceful Yatra could rebuild trust among potential tourists.
- The Yatra holds hope for the region's economy and businesses that heavily rely on tourism.
- Published on June 12, 2025.
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