Baisaran Valley Attack: On April 22, 2025, 26 innocent tourists were targeted by terrorists in a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Let us tell you what has changed in a year.

How is the situation in Pahalgam now?

Pahalgam Terror Attack Anniversary: ​​Today, April 22, 2026, marks the first anniversary of the Pahalgam attack. On this day in 2025, terrorists targeted tourists from different parts of the country in the Baisaran Valley of Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, killing 26 innocent tourists. The terrorists shot people after asking them about their religion. This cowardly attack sparked tensions between India and Pakistan. The army launched Operation Sindoor , targeting and destroying terrorist hideouts in PoK and Pakistan. However, following this tragic incident, the number of tourists visiting Pahalgam declined, and the Baisaran Valley was closed. Let us tell you how much Pahalgam has changed in this one year.

How much has Pahalgam changed?

After the terrorist attack, this once vibrant valley was virtually deserted. But now, within a year, the situation has changed significantly. Pahalgam is once again bustling with tourists, although this return cannot be considered completely normal. After the attack, the administration, security agencies, and local people worked together to restore confidence. The results are clearly visible. Tourists from across the country are once again arriving here. According to media reports, crowds are also increasing at other major tourist destinations in Kashmir, as can be gauged by the fact that the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden received more than 2.5 lakh tourists within a month.

The era of change continues.

Even in Pahalgam, the atmosphere seems much different. The streets are bustling with tourists, and hotels and taxi services are resuming operations. However, amidst these changes, the memory of that tragic incident lingers. A memorial has been erected on the riverbank to commemorate the martyrs, where most visitors stop to pay their respects.

Security has been increased.

Major security improvements have also been made. Security forces have been deployed at key locations, and a QR code system has been implemented, allowing tourists to easily verify the identity of taxi drivers, guides, or shopkeepers.

Decline in tourist numbers

However, the overall picture remains mixed. According to a report by thehindubusinessline, official data indicates that between May 2025 and April 2026, approximately 450,000 domestic tourists visited Pahalgam, a 65-70 percent drop from the previous year. Previously, the tourist population averaged 1.2 million to 1.5 million annually. According to government data, Kashmir has seen significant fluctuations in tourist arrivals. In 2024, approximately 3,498,702 tourists arrived, of which 3,455,048 were domestic and 43,654 were foreign. However, when compared to 2025, the number has dropped to approximately 1,116,043 tourists. Of these, 1,093,050 were domestic and 22,993 were foreign tourists, representing a 68 percent decline.
 

Many places have not yet opened.

Many tourist destinations have still not fully reopened. Most of the 48 sites closed after the attack have reopened, but some key locations remain closed, impacting local businesses. Areas like the Baisaran Valley, in particular, are still closed to tourists. This period remains challenging for local residents. Taxi drivers, hoteliers, and horsemen have suffered significant losses in their incomes. Many say that work is still significantly lower than before, and full recovery will take time.