Kashmir saw 807,008 tourist arrivals between May and July 2026, marking a 357% increase from the low levels recorded after the 2025 Pahalgam attack. While the summer rebound is significant, the region’s year-to-date visitor numbers are still below 2025 pre-attack figures, indicating the recovery process remains gradual.
The tourism sector in the Kashmir Valley has seen a notable increase in activity during the summer months of 2026. Official data shows that 807,008 tourists visited the region between May and July, reflecting a sharp rise compared to the 176,751 arrivals recorded during the same period in 2025. This surge is significantly influenced by a low base effect, as tourism had dropped sharply following the security incident in Pahalgam in April 2025.
To restore confidence among travelers and the hospitality industry, the local administration launched a series of initiatives. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah held cabinet meetings directly in Pahalgam to reassure the public and travel operators of the region's security. These efforts were supported by promotional campaigns in major domestic travel markets, including Gujarat. Additionally, the administration worked to reopen various tourist destinations across the Valley to help normalize travel operations.
Current Trends and Recovery Gaps
While the summer growth figures are high, the total picture shows that the recovery is still a work in progress. In the first four months of 2026, the Kashmir Valley recorded 437,737 visitors. This represents a 33.2% decline compared to the 655,080 arrivals seen during the same period in 2025, before the Pahalgam attack occurred. Industry representatives, such as the Kashmir Hotel and Restaurant Association, have noted that while the summer surge is a welcome development, total footfall has yet to reach pre-attack levels.
The industry is now looking toward the upcoming months to bridge this gap. Tourism officials are optimistic that favorable weather in October could provide the necessary momentum to improve total annual arrival numbers. For local businesses and stakeholders, the key monitorable will be whether this summer trend can be sustained through the rest of the year to support a full normalization of travel in the region.