By Srinagar/New Delhi — In the aftermath of the brutal terror attack in Pahalgam’s Baisaran valley, authorities in Jammu and Kashmir have temporarily closed nearly half of the Union Territory’s prominent tourist attractions. Sources confirmed that security agencies ordered the closure of 48 out of 87 popular tourist sites across Kashmir, while ramping up security measures at those that remain open.
The move follows the April 22 massacre, where 26 civilians, mostly tourists, were killed after militants opened fire at the scenic Baisaran meadow. The attack has not only shocked the nation but also prompted major changes in security protocols across the valley.
According to officials, the temporarily closed destinations include picturesque health resorts, eco-parks, trekking zones, waterfalls, and renowned restaurants — all favorite spots for locals and visitors alike.
Full List of Temporarily Closed Tourist Spots
The following tourist locations are now off-limits until further notice:
Yousmarg, Tosa Maidan, Doodhpathri, Aharbal, Kousarnag/Kausarnag, Bangus Valley, Kariwan, Wular/Watlab, Rampora and Rajpora, Charar-e-Sharif, Mundji-Hamam-Markoot Waterfall, Khampoo, Bosnia, Vijitop, Sun Temple, Verinag Garden, Sinthan Top, Margan Top, Akad Park, Habba Khatoon Point, Baba Reshi, Ringawali, Gogaldara, Baderkote, Shrunz Waterfall, Kaman Post, Namblan Waterfall, Eco Park Khadniyar, Sangarwani, Jamia Masjid, Badamwari Garden, Rajouri Kadal Hotel Kanaaz, Aali Kadal JJ Food Restaurant, IVORY Hotel, Padshapal Resorts and Restaurant, Cherry Tree Resort (Faqir Gujri), North Cliff Cafe and Retreat by Stay Pattern, Forest Hill Cottage, Eco Village Resort (Dara), Astanmarg View Point, Astanmarg Paragliding Site, Mamneth and Mahadev Hills, Buddhist Monastery, and sections of Dachigam National Park beyond the Trout Farm/Fisheries area, Astanpora (including Qayam Gah Resort), Lachpatri, Hung Park, and Naranag.
Security Steps at Remaining Sites
Authorities confirmed that while these 48 tourist locations are now closed, heightened security measures have been introduced at those still accessible. Security personnel have been deployed in larger numbers, with regular patrols, frisking points, and surveillance being intensified.
Meanwhile, some good news came for tourism in the Doda district: high-altitude destinations such as Guldanda and Chattargalla, which had been shut as a precaution immediately after the terror attack, were reopened to visitors on Sunday. Located along the Bhaderwah-Pathankot national highway, these sites were deemed safe after a thorough security review.
Rising India-Pakistan Hostilities
The Pahalgam terror attack has once again triggered a surge in hostilities between India and Pakistan. For five consecutive nights, Pakistani forces engaged in unprovoked firing across the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir. Indian security forces retaliated strongly to the violations.
Amid growing cross-border tensions and alleged links of the attackers to groups based in Pakistan, New Delhi unveiled a series of tough diplomatic and strategic actions. India officially suspended the decades-old Indus Waters Treaty, a water-sharing agreement between the two countries dating back to 1960. Additionally, the Attari land border crossing was shut down for Pakistani nationals.
New Delhi also ordered the expulsion of Pakistani military attaches stationed in India. Pakistani civilians who entered India through Attari were instructed to leave Indian territory by May 1.
Pakistan’s Countermove
Responding to India’s measures, Pakistan announced a set of retaliatory steps. Islamabad closed its airspace to all Indian airlines and halted trade activities with India, including trade routed through third-party countries. Pakistan also suspended the Simla Agreement — a key diplomatic accord that has helped govern bilateral relations since it was signed in 1972 after the Bangladesh Liberation War.
The suspension of both the Indus Waters Treaty and the Simla Agreement signals a major downturn in India-Pakistan relations, with regional peace hanging in the balance.
Regional Stability Under Threat
The closures in Kashmir have dealt a blow to the tourism industry, which had been seeing signs of recovery after years of disruption. Officials worry that the long-term impact on livelihoods tied to the sector could be severe if tensions persist.
With diplomatic ties fraying fast and cross-border firing increasing, regional stability remains under serious threat. Observers fear that if de-escalation efforts do not take root soon, both countries — armed with nuclear capabilities — could be drawn into a deeper conflict.
At present, both India and Pakistan are ramping up internal security measures and reinforcing border defenses, even as calls for international mediation to defuse the crisis begin to surface quietly.
The situation remains highly volatile as Kashmir, already reeling from the tragic attack, now braces for an uncertain and potentially dangerous period ahead.
