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4.23 lakh tourists visit Kashmir in four months of 2026

  • Aatif Qayoom
  • Comments 0
  • 08 May 2026

• Gulmarg Gondola draws 5,000 daily • Hotels full, markets busy • Dir Tourism expects numbers to rise

Srinagar, May 07: Kashmir Valley is witnessing a strong tourism revival this year, with 4,23,886 tourists visiting the region from January to date, including 4,16,307 domestic tourists and 7,579 foreign visitors, as famous tourist resorts, hotels, markets, and transport services witness heavy activity, according to official figures accessed by Rising Kashmir.

Director Tourism Kashmir, Syed Qamar Sajad, said the Valley is currently witnessing a huge tourist rush, especially in Gulmarg, Sonmarg, and Pahalgam. He said Gulmarg remains one of the busiest destinations at present, with nearly 5,000 tourists taking the gondola ride every day.

"We are witnessing encouraging tourist arrivals across Kashmir Valley. The response from tourists has been very positive this season. We are expecting the numbers to increase further during peak summers as more visitors prefer Kashmir for holidays during this period," he said.

The Director further said the Tourism Department is working on improving and upgrading tourism infrastructure across the Valley to cater to growing visitor numbers, with efforts to enhance facilities at major destinations for a better tourist experience.

Local tourism stakeholders said the current season has brought relief to thousands of people associated with the sector. 

A hotel owner in Pahalgam said that last year, around the same time, tourist activity was very low and markets appeared deserted. "Last year this time, Pahalgam was looking deserted, but thanks to God, it is jam-packed nowadays. Hotels are full, and markets are witnessing huge activity again," he said.

Shabir Ahmad, a pony service provider in Pahalgam, said tourism is directly connected with the livelihood of thousands of families in Kashmir. "When tourists arrive, everyone benefits—taxi drivers, pony owners, guides, hoteliers, and shopkeepers. This season has once again given hope to people associated with tourism," he said.

Tourists visiting Kashmir expressed happiness over the pleasant weather, natural beauty, and hospitality of the local people. Ritika Sharma, a tourist from Delhi visiting Gulmarg, said Kashmir remains one of the best summer destinations in the country. "The weather is beautiful, and the atmosphere is peaceful. We are enjoying our stay here and would love to visit again," she said.

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