Yousmarg, Doodhpathri Among 14 Tourist Destinations Reopened In Kashmir: LG Manoj Sinha

By Mir Farhat

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday said some more tourist spots have been reopened in the region after their closure following the Pahalgam terror attack in April last year.

Announcing this on his X handle, Sinha, said the decision on reopening of 14 tourist destinations in Kashmir and Jammu Divisions was taken following a thorough security review. These spots were temporarily closed as precautionary measures in the wake of the terror attack.

This comes 10 days after Union Home Minister Amit Shah held a security review meeting in Jammu during his two-day visit to the region on February 6. A day before Shah's visit, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said in the Assembly that he will raise the issue of reopening tourist destinations with the Home Minister.

Sinha said that 11 tourist spots in Kashmir Division including Yousmarg, Doodhpathri in Budgam, Dandipora Park in Kokernag, Peer Ki Gali, Dubjan & Padpawan in Shopian, Astanpora, Tulip Garden in Srinagar, Thajwas Glacier, Hung Park in Ganderbal & Wullar/ Watlab in Baramulla and three tourist spots in Jammu Division- Devi Pindi in Reasi, Mahu Mangat in Ramban and Mughal Maidan in Kishtwar to be reopened immediately.

Sinha said that Gurez, Athwatoo, Bangus in Kashmir and Ramkund site in Ramban will be reopened once snow gets cleared.

Earlier of April 22, 2025, 25 tourists and a local ponywala were shot dead by terrorists in Baisaran tourist spot in Pahalgam . Following which, 48 tourist spots, including Pahaglam, Gulmarg, Sonmarg, Yousmarg, Doodpathri, Tosamaidan, Kousernag, Duksum, Sinthan Top, Gurez, Bangus, Naranag, Margan Top and a dozens others, were shut for conducting security audit and upgrading their security measures for the safety of tourists.

Among these, 16 destinations, namely Pahalgam, Gulmarg, Sonmarg and Mughal Gardens in Srinagar were reopened for tourists in June last year, followed by 12 more in September and another 14 on Monday. According to officials of the tourism department, out of the 48 destinations that were closed last year, 42 have been opened. Now the remaining six destinations will be reopened after reviewing security, they said.

The closure had hit the hotel industry and stakeholders who earn livelihood from the sector. Tour operators have welcomed the reopening of these destinations, saying it is a good beginning for the tourism sector this year after an increased tourist footfall was witnessed in Gulmarg and Sonmarg this winter.

“We welcome this decision which has come at the right time after the Valley witnessed a good rush of tourists after snowfall. It will send a good message across the country and boost tourist footfall in the coming season,” Farooq Kuthoo, a popular tour operator of the region, said.

Chamber of Commerce and Industries Kashmir (CCIK) has welcomed the reopening of tourist destinations across Jammu and Kashmir, terming the decision a timely and positive move ahead of the upcoming tourism season.

President CCIK Tariq Ghani expressed gratitude to the Lieutenant Governor for ordering the reopening of tourist destinations across Jammu and Kashmir. “We are also thankful to the Chief Minister for his consistent efforts towards tourism promotion and for actively pursuing the reopening of these destinations. His proactive approach has strengthened confidence within the industry,” he added.

The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCC&I) said the J&K administration's decision to reopen 14 tourist destinations is major relief for the tourism and trade sectors, which have suffered significant losses in recent months.

KCC&I thanked Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha for the decision and expressed appreciation to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for actively pursuing the reopening of the tourist destinations.

“Reopening of these destinations would send a strong and reassuring message to visitors from across the country and abroad that Jammu and Kashmir remains a safe and welcoming destination. The decision will significantly help the tourism sector recuperate, especially hoteliers, houseboat owners, shikara operators, tour guides, transporters, handicraft traders and thousands of workers directly and indirectly dependent on tourism for their livelihood,” KCCI said in a statement.

It said all the remaining tourist spots that are still closed must also be reopened at the earliest to ensure a comprehensive and sustained revival of the sector.

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