Paradise Packed : Kashmir Sees Massive Tourist Surge, Hotels & Houseboats Overflow
Dal Lake to Gulmarg bustling with visitors as Valley witnesses booming summer tourism
Tour operators hail record bookings; tourists spellbound by Kashmir’s beauty and hospitality
Srinagar: Kashmir is witnessing a massive tourist rush this summer, with hotels, houseboats and resorts across the Valley overflowing with visitors, bringing renewed energy and optimism to the tourism sector.
From the lively Boulevard Road along Dal Lake to the green meadows of Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonamarg, tourists can be seen thronging every major destination, turning the Valley into a vibrant hub of activity.
Tourism players said the current season has surpassed expectations, with accommodation facilities witnessing near-full occupancy and advance bookings continuing to pour in from different parts of the country.
“This season has been extraordinary for us. Hotels, guest houses and houseboats are packed, especially during weekends. We are receiving continuous booking inquiries from tourists across India,” said a Srinagar-based tour operator.
He said Kashmir continues to remain one of the most preferred summer destinations because of its cool weather, scenic beauty and improving tourism infrastructure.
Houseboat owners on Dal Lake said the surge in arrivals has revived hopes among thousands of families dependent on tourism.
“For the last several weeks, our houseboats have remained fully occupied. Tourists are keen to experience Kashmiri culture, cuisine and hospitality,” said a houseboat owner at Dal Lake. “Many visitors extend their stay after experiencing the peaceful atmosphere here.”
The heavy tourist footfall is visible across major tourist spots, markets and eateries in Srinagar and other destinations. Shikaras filled with tourists glide across Dal Lake till late evening while cafes and handicraft shops are witnessing brisk business.
Pahalgam and Sonamarg are witnessing heavy traffic movement.
Tourists visiting the Valley said Kashmir had exceeded their expectations.
“We always dreamt of visiting Kashmir, and finally being here feels surreal,” said Ankita Verma, a tourist from Delhi. “Every corner of the Valley is beautiful. The hospitality of the people has made our trip even more memorable.”
A tourist from Maharashtra described Kashmir as a “perfect escape” from the intense heat prevailing in other parts of the country.
“The weather is amazing and the natural beauty is unmatched. We stayed in a houseboat for two days and it was one of the best experiences of our lives,” he said.
Tour operators said the surge in tourism has also boosted the livelihoods of taxi operators, ponywalas, guides, artisans and small traders associated with the sector.
“This tourist season is acting like an economic lifeline for thousands of people connected with tourism. Everyone—from hoteliers to handicraft sellers—is benefiting,” another travel operator said.
Officials in the tourism sector expressed optimism that the positive trend would continue in the coming months, further strengthening Kashmir’s position as one of the country’s top travel destinations.
