Earlier, 28 destinations were reopened in phases following a detailed security review.
| Photo Credit:
IMRAN NISSAR
Tourist guide and horseman Javed Ahmad Khari visited the snow-covered meadows of Yousmarg and welcomed the first visitor following the reopening of the destination after nearly 10 months.
Located about 47 km from Srinagar, Yousmarg was reopened on February 17 along with 13 other tourist spots by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha. A total of 48 destinations had been closed to travellers after last year’s Pahalgam attack and the subsequent military action by India against Pakistan. Earlier, 28 destinations were reopened in phases following a detailed security review.
Stakeholders, including tour operators, ponywalas and guides, had consistently demanded reopening of the destinations. In August 2025, Khari even brought a horse to Raj Bhavan (now Lok Bhavan) to protest the prolonged closure.
“We suffered terribly due to closure of this site,” Khari told businessline, adding that they are relieved and hopeful after the reopening. He said tourists have begun arriving in Yousmarg and expects numbers to rise in the coming days.
Abdul Hameed, President of the Yousmarg Pony Owners Association, demanded compensation for pony operators. “Over the last several months, it was very difficult to feed the animals. The government must announce a relief package for us,” he added.
Amid heightened security arrangements at the neighbouring destination of Doodpathri, tourists have begun trickling in following the reopening announcement.
Industry representatives said the reopening will boost local businesses and allow visitors to explore destinations beyond traditional hotspots.
Qazi Tauseef, spokesperson of the Kashmir Economic Alliance, said the move will significantly boost confidence among tourists, travel operators, hoteliers, transporters and the wider business community.
“We hope iconic destinations like Gurez and Bangus Valley will soon reopen after snow clearance, further diversifying tourism circuits and promoting border and offbeat tourism,” he added.
Officials said the reopening follows a comprehensive security review and the implementation of necessary safety protocols to ensure the safe movement of visitors. Authorities have strengthened deployment and surveillance measures at key locations to reassure tourists and restore confidence in the Valley’s tourism sector.
Local shopkeepers and tea stall owners have also started resuming operations, expressing optimism that the return of visitors will revive livelihoods that remained disrupted for nearly a year.
Published on February 20, 2026
