Pahalgam, Dec 31: Pahalgam, the picturesque hill resort in south Kashmir, is witnessing a renewed buzz as tourists from across India return to its snow-draped valleys, riverbanks, and bustling markets, signalling a slow but steady revival of tourism after a subdued spring and summer.
Along the banks of the Lidder River, families posed for photographs, newlyweds lingered by the rushing water, and pony handlers once again called out to passersby – scenes that had largely vanished for months after an April attack at the nearby Baisaran meadow triggered widespread cancellations and left the resort unusually quiet.
For first-time visitors like Vaishnawi, 24, from Madhya Pradesh, the experience has been reassuring.
“This is our first visit to Pahalgam, and we are completely taken in by its beauty,” she said during a stroll through the main market with her family. “We were initially a little hesitant because of what happened earlier this year, but once we arrived, all our fears disappeared. People here are incredibly warm and caring.”
Vaishnawi said her family arrived three days ago and plans to visit Gulmarg and Sonamarg next.
“We feel very safe and comfortable,” she said. “It feels like home, just colder.” Nearby, a group of tourists from Bhopal chatted with pony handlers offering rides toward the surrounding meadows, a welcome sight for locals who depend on the short tourism season.
“The weather is beautiful, and the mountains are mesmerising,” said Shurbhi Shah, 30, who is visiting with her husband and children. Though her family is settled in Germany, Shah said Kashmir offered a unique experience.
“We went to Aru Valley to see the snow,” she said. “The snow-covered meadows and the river flowing through them felt heavenly.” She also praised Kashmir’s clean air and local cuisine.
“There’s no pollution like in other cities, and we really enjoyed the traditional Wazwan,” she said.
Tourists from Maharashtra, West Bengal, and South India have also begun arriving in increasing numbers.
Among them is newlywed Irfan Ahmad, 25, who is visiting Kashmir with his wife for the first time.
Sitting by the Lidder River near Pahalgam’s main market, Ahmad said the couple underestimated the cold.
“It’s still very hot back home, with temperatures hovering around 35. So, we weren’t prepared for this weather,” he said with a smile. “We had to buy woollens here, but seeing snow for the first time in Aru Valley and Chandanwari made it worth it.”
For local businesses, the return of tourists has brought cautious optimism. “After the April incident, bookings dropped sharply, and many hotels stood empty,” said hotelier Ibrahim Raina. “Now, with the New Year, we are seeing a gradual increase in arrivals. Our priority is to make guests feel safe and welcome.”
Pony handlers, restaurant owners, and shopkeepers say the revival, though slow, has lifted spirits.
“This place had gone silent,” said a pony handler as he adjusted his saddle. “Seeing tourists return has given us hope again.”
Sabzar Ahmad, who manages a local restaurant, said the town is looking ahead with confidence.
“We hope the New Year brings more visitors,” he said. “Pahalgam’s beauty speaks for itself, and we are ready to host guests once again.” Tourists were also seen enjoying a winter carnival organised by the Pahalgam Development Authority in collaboration with the Tourism Department. Local artists and artisans showcased Kashmir’s cultural heritage through traditional music, dance, handicrafts, and cuisine, attracting tourists.