Tourism – Kashmir Trekking Restrictions Continue to Hurt Adventure Travel Businesses
Tourism – Kashmir’s tourism sector is slowly regaining momentum months after the deadly Pahalgam terror attack, but the Valley’s adventure tourism industry continues to face major setbacks as trekking routes remain closed across several popular destinations.
Trekking Activities Yet to Resume Across Valley
Adventure tourism operators in Kashmir say the prolonged suspension of trekking activities has severely affected their businesses and the livelihoods linked to the sector. Industry representatives believe reopening the trekking trails could significantly improve tourist arrivals and strengthen the local economy during the peak travel season.
According to Rouf Tramboo, president of the Adventure Tour Operators Association of Kashmir, nearly 200 adventure tour operators in the Valley are facing uncertainty due to the continued restrictions. He said trekking remains one of the most important components of Kashmir’s tourism industry, especially for attracting domestic and international adventure travellers.
Authorities had earlier identified around 75 trekking routes across the region. Among the major trails are the Kashmir Great Lakes trek in Sonamarg, the Kolahoi Glacier route, the Tarsar-Marsar trek in Pahalgam, the Tosamaidan-Yusmarg circuit, and the Warwan Valley trail in Kishtwar district.
Security Concerns After Pahalgam Attack
Trekking operations were halted after the April 22, 2025 terror attack in Pahalgam, where 25 tourists and a local pony operator lost their lives. Following the incident, the administration temporarily shut several tourist spots and initiated security assessments across the Valley.
While many tourist destinations have gradually reopened after security reviews, trekking routes continue to remain inaccessible. Tourism stakeholders argue that adventure tourism should also be restored in phases with proper safety measures.
Industry members say trekking tourism had witnessed rapid growth in recent years, creating fresh employment opportunities for local youth. Several young entrepreneurs reportedly completed professional adventure tourism training and invested heavily in equipment, camps, and logistics infrastructure to build sustainable businesses.
Financial Pressure on Local Operators
Tour operators say many individuals entered the adventure tourism sector by taking loans or using personal savings, expecting steady growth in tourist demand. However, the closure of trekking activities has left several businesses struggling financially.
Tramboo noted that the summer months between June and August are considered the most crucial period for adventure tourism in Kashmir. He said many operators depend entirely on seasonal bookings during this time to repay loans and support their families.
He further explained that adventure tourism supports not only tour companies but also guides, pony handlers, transport providers, porters, hotel owners, and local shopkeepers living in remote areas near trekking routes.
Several operators claim that delayed reopening of trekking trails has increased financial stress, with some businesses reportedly finding it difficult to manage bank repayments. Tourism representatives fear that prolonged restrictions could discourage young entrepreneurs who had recently joined the sector.
Tourists Showing Interest in Trekking Packages
Travel agencies in Kashmir say visitors are still showing interest in trekking experiences despite the restrictions. Sajad Ahmad Kralyari, Secretary General of the Travel Agents Association of Kashmir, said tourism operators continue receiving inquiries from travellers seeking trekking packages in the Valley.
However, he stated that bookings remain on hold because authorities have not yet permitted trekking activities to resume. Industry members believe that reopening adventure tourism routes under monitored security arrangements could help restore confidence among visitors.
Business owners involved in mountain tourism also describe the situation as extremely challenging. Ibrahim Raina, who operates an adventure tourism company in Kashmir, said his operations have nearly stopped due to the ongoing suspension of trekking activities.
Tourism stakeholders now hope the administration will soon complete security evaluations and allow phased reopening of trekking trails before the peak summer travel season ends. Many believe that restoring adventure tourism will not only revive businesses but also provide much-needed employment support to local communities across Kashmir.