Tourist Influx Peaks in Kashmir After Snowfall Ahead of New Year, Security on High Alert
30 Dec 2025 14:52:38
Security forces across Jammu and Kashmir have been put on high alert ahead of New Year 2026 as fresh snowfall has brought a huge rush of tourists into the Valley.
With the IMD predicting more snow on New Year’s Eve, hotel bookings have jumped sharply, and most hotels in popular destinations like Gulmarg and Pahalgam are already fully booked for the New Year weekend.
Fresh snowfall in higher reaches and popular tourist spots has breathed new life into Kashmir’s tourism sector, which had taken a severe hit after the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam. North Kashmir’s ski resort Gulmarg has emerged as the biggest beneficiary, with hotels completely sold out for the festive period.
In view of the heavy tourist footfall, security agencies have put elaborate and foolproof arrangements in place. The Indian Army and Border Security Force (BSF) have intensified surveillance along the Line of Control and the International Border to prevent any infiltration attempts. Patrolling along the LoC has been doubled, with troops maintaining heightened night vigilance despite sub-zero temperatures and heavy snowfall.
Specialised “Area Domination Operations” are underway in several sensitive locations across Jammu and Kashmir following intelligence inputs about the possible presence of terrorist groups and their local supporters.
Authorities have implemented strict security measures to ensure the safety of tourists and to restore confidence after the Pahalgam terror attack earlier this year.
Security monitoring has also been intensified along the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway, railway stations, and other major transit routes. Officials said this is the highest tourist influx the Valley has witnessed since the April 2025 Pahalgam attack in which 26 tourists lost their lives.
Hotels in Gulmarg, Sonamarg, Srinagar and Pahalgam have reported 80 to 100 per cent occupancy for the New Year weekend, indicating a strong revival of tourism in the Valley despite security concerns.