Amid escalating tensions and heightened security alerts following the recent militant-linked incident in Pahalgam, the Jammu and Kashmir administration has closed 48 out of 87 tourist destinations across the Kashmir Valley. The unprecedented move aims to ensure the safety of visitors and local residents in light of potential security threats.
Daily Excelsior reported that the tourist destinations that have been closed include:
- Yousmarg
- Tosamaidan
- Doodhpathri
- Aharbal
- Kousarnag
- Bangus
- Kariwan Diver Chandigam
- Bangus Valley
- Wular/Watlab
- Rampora and Rajpora
- Chearhar
- Mundij-Hamam-Markoot Waterfall
- Khampoo
- Bosnia
- Vijitop
- Sun Temple
- Verinag Garden
- Sinthan Top
- Margantop
- Akad Park
- Habba Khatoon Point
- Baba Reshi
- Ringawali
- Gogaldara
- Baderkote
- Shrunz Waterfall
- Kaman Post
- Namblan Waterfall
- Eco Park Khadniyar
- Sangarwani
- Jamia Masjid
- Badamwari
- Rajori Kadal Hotel Kanaaz
- Aali Kadal JJ Food Restaurant
- IVORY Hotel
- Padshapal Resorts and Restaurant
- Cherry Tree Resort (Faqir Gujri)
- North Cliff Cafe and Retreat by Stay Pattern
- Forest Hill Cottage
- Eco Village Resort (Dara)
- Astanmarg View Point
- Astanmarg Paragliding
- Mamneth and Mahadev Hills
- Buddhist Monastery
- Dachigam – Beyond Trout Farm/Fisheries Farm and Astanpora including Qayam Gah Resort
- Lachpatri
- Hung Park and
- Naranag
Sources within the tourism department confirmed that key locations in Anantnag, Pulwama, Shopian, and parts of Baramulla have been temporarily shut. Popular attractions such as Kokernag, Achabal, and Daksum are among those restricted. Tourist inflow to areas close to the Line of Control (LoC) and regions previously flagged as sensitive has also been suspended.
According to officials, the decision was made after detailed consultations with intelligence and security agencies, citing precautionary measures. Tourist advisories have been updated, and visitors currently in the Valley are being advised to follow government instructions closely.
Travel operators and local businesses expressed concerns over the economic impact but acknowledged the need for preventive steps amid the volatile environment. The government has stated the closures are temporary and will be reviewed weekly depending on the evolving security scenario.
