Punekars Rethink Kashmir Travel a Year After Pahalgam Attack
Shift in Travel Plans
For 18-year-old Kenneth Valerian Das and his family, the implications of the 2025 Pahalgam attack have altered their travel plans considerably. Initially considering a visit to Pahalgam, the family chose to go to Jaipur instead. “The iconic image remains the snow-capped peaks and houseboats, but the attack left a lasting imprint because it was one of the deadliest civilian-targeted incidents. Most families in 2026 are likely to deprioritize remote meadows for places like Himachal or Uttarakhand, where the risk feels lower,” Das remarked.
A year after the tragic attack on April 22, 2025, which resulted in 26 fatalities at Baisaran Meadow, memories of the incident continue to affect how residents of Pune perceive Kashmir. While the scenic beauty of the region remains appealing, a sense of unease persists in the minds of potential travelers.
Government Safety Measures
In an attempt to restore confidence among tourists, the government has implemented stricter safety protocols in Pahalgam. Pony owners, local guides, and taxi drivers are now required to be verified through a QR-code system, which allows visitors to easily check their credentials and police-verified background information.
Personal Hesitations
For some individuals, the apprehension surrounding travel to Kashmir is deeply personal. Anjali Deshpande, a 42-year-old school teacher, expressed her ambivalence: “I want to go, I really do, but every time I see my kids, I think maybe next year. We need just one more year of total peace to feel sure. This time, we’ll go to Jammu and Ladakh instead.”
Rahul Mehta, a software engineer based in Shivaji Nagar, shares a similar viewpoint, stating, “Kashmir is a soul-fixer, but the fear is still fresh. We’re considering 2027 instead. We’re willing to go back but are waiting for the memory of the attack to fade.”
Willingness to Visit
Contrarily, not all potential travelers are holding back. Meera Kulkarni, an entrepreneur from Pune, has decided to visit Pahalgam this season with her family. “I am going to Pahalgam this year to see the place and check on the environment for myself. You cannot live in fear forever. I want to experience the security measures firsthand and support the local community. I’ll also talk to locals there to understand their perspective on whether it is still safe,” Kulkarni stated.
Travel Trends and Observations
The hesitation among travelers is further reflected in changing travel trends. Alex Peter, owner of Fly Lemon Travel & Forex Pvt Ltd, noted a marked shift in travel patterns among Punekars heading to Jammu and Kashmir. “Tourists are gravitating toward other areas within the Kashmir region, specifically Srinagar, Jammu, and Gulmarg, while showing hesitance about Pahalgam. Currently, only 20 to 37 percent of our travelers include Pahalgam in their itinerary, and their stays are limited to just 2 or 3 days rather than the longer retreats we frequently saw in the past,” Peter explained.
He also pointed out that despite the localized hesitancy, flight rates remain elevated due to overall demand, although the long-stay luxury market in Pahalgam has experienced a downturn.
