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The Jammu and Kashmir administration has announced the reopening of 12 tourist destinations across the Union Territory, nearly five months after they were shut down in the aftermath of the deadly April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha confirmed the decision following a high-level security review during the Unified Headquarters (UHQ) meeting. The move marks a cautious but significant step towards reviving tourism in the region, which has witnessed an abrupt halt in Baisaran, Pahalgam.
"After a thorough security review and discussion in today's UHQ Meeting, I've ordered reopening of more tourist spots in Kashmir and Jammu Divisions, which were temporarily closed as precautionary measures," the LG posted on social media platform X.
Of the 12 sites now cleared to reopen, seven are in the Kashmir Division and five in Jammu. These include popular destinations such as Aru Valley, Rafting Point Yanner, Akkad Park, Padshahi Park, and Kaman Post in Kashmir. In Jammu, Dagan Top, Ramban, Dhaggar in Kathua, Shiv Cave in Salal, and Reasi are among those set to welcome visitors from September 29.
Also read | Jammu and Kashmir requests Centre to reopen tourist spots shut after Pahalgam terror attack
Sinha greeted people on the occasion on World Tourism Day 2025 and invited tourists to visit the state, saying: "On World Tourism Day, I invite you all to visit J&K. Blessed with stunning landscapes, a rich cultural heritage & unmatched hospitality, the crown jewel of India is a cherished year-round destination, offering breathtaking beauty & spiritual experience. "
In June, the administration had permitted limited access to 16 destinations, including selected areas of Pahalgam, signalling the beginning of a phased approach to reviving tourism.
The terror attack was one of the deadliest in recent years, prompting an immediate and wide-ranging security clampdown in the union territory. Nearly 50 tourist spots were closed across as a precaution, severely impacting local economies that depend on tourism.
The reopening aligns with the broader push by the Jammu and Kashmir administration to revive the tourism sector, a key pillar of the region's economy. Earlier, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had advocated for the phased reopening of tourist spots, stressing that security measures should not translate into a total shutdown of livelihoods.
Also read | Travel agents in India assure complete support to revive tourism in Jammu and Kashmir
In a previous statement, Abdullah had said, "It's important that while we deal firmly with terrorism, we must also give people -- especially those in tourism-dependent areas -- a chance to earn a living. We can't let fear dictate our economy.”
Abdullah had argued that tourism not only brings revenue, but helps counter negative narratives about the region. "Every tourist who visits Kashmir becomes an ambassador for peace and normalcy," he said.
The latest announcement by LG Sinha appears to be a continuation of this balanced approach prioritising security while restoring normalcy.
Despite the reopening, officials stress that all necessary precautions will remain in place. A senior police officer said security arrangements have been enhanced at all the reopened locations, including increased patrolling, surveillance, and coordination with local stakeholders.
Meanwhile, tourism department officials, expressed optimism about a rebound in visitor numbers ahead of the upcoming winter season, traditionally a peak time for tourism in the Valley.
"We're hopeful that with this reopening, we’ll see renewed interest from both domestic and international tourists. All stakeholders are being taken on board to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience," an official from the tourism department said.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha confirmed the decision following a high-level security review during the Unified Headquarters (UHQ) meeting. The move marks a cautious but significant step towards reviving tourism in the region, which has witnessed an abrupt halt in Baisaran, Pahalgam.
"After a thorough security review and discussion in today's UHQ Meeting, I've ordered reopening of more tourist spots in Kashmir and Jammu Divisions, which were temporarily closed as precautionary measures," the LG posted on social media platform X.
After
a thorough security review and discussion in today's UHQ Meeting, I've ordered reopening of more tourist spots in Kashmir and Jammu Divisions, which were temporarily closed as precautionary measures.
— Office of LG J&K (@OfficeOfLGJandK) September 26, 2025
Of the 12 sites now cleared to reopen, seven are in the Kashmir Division and five in Jammu. These include popular destinations such as Aru Valley, Rafting Point Yanner, Akkad Park, Padshahi Park, and Kaman Post in Kashmir. In Jammu, Dagan Top, Ramban, Dhaggar in Kathua, Shiv Cave in Salal, and Reasi are among those set to welcome visitors from September 29.
Also read | Jammu and Kashmir requests Centre to reopen tourist spots shut after Pahalgam terror attack
Sinha greeted people on the occasion on World Tourism Day 2025 and invited tourists to visit the state, saying: "On World Tourism Day, I invite you all to visit J&K. Blessed with stunning landscapes, a rich cultural heritage & unmatched hospitality, the crown jewel of India is a cherished year-round destination, offering breathtaking beauty & spiritual experience. "
In June, the administration had permitted limited access to 16 destinations, including selected areas of Pahalgam, signalling the beginning of a phased approach to reviving tourism.
The terror attack was one of the deadliest in recent years, prompting an immediate and wide-ranging security clampdown in the union territory. Nearly 50 tourist spots were closed across as a precaution, severely impacting local economies that depend on tourism.
The reopening aligns with the broader push by the Jammu and Kashmir administration to revive the tourism sector, a key pillar of the region's economy. Earlier, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had advocated for the phased reopening of tourist spots, stressing that security measures should not translate into a total shutdown of livelihoods.
Also read | Travel agents in India assure complete support to revive tourism in Jammu and Kashmir
In a previous statement, Abdullah had said, "It's important that while we deal firmly with terrorism, we must also give people -- especially those in tourism-dependent areas -- a chance to earn a living. We can't let fear dictate our economy.”
Abdullah had argued that tourism not only brings revenue, but helps counter negative narratives about the region. "Every tourist who visits Kashmir becomes an ambassador for peace and normalcy," he said.
The latest announcement by LG Sinha appears to be a continuation of this balanced approach prioritising security while restoring normalcy.
Despite the reopening, officials stress that all necessary precautions will remain in place. A senior police officer said security arrangements have been enhanced at all the reopened locations, including increased patrolling, surveillance, and coordination with local stakeholders.
Meanwhile, tourism department officials, expressed optimism about a rebound in visitor numbers ahead of the upcoming winter season, traditionally a peak time for tourism in the Valley.
"We're hopeful that with this reopening, we’ll see renewed interest from both domestic and international tourists. All stakeholders are being taken on board to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience," an official from the tourism department said.
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