What should have been a season of smiles and scenic getaways has turned into one of fear and flight. After the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir's tourism has come to a screeching halt. Nearly 90% of travel bookings have been canceled, as families, couples, and adventure seekers hurriedly pack up and leave the valley.
For many, it’s not just a ruined holiday—it’s the fear of the unknown, the anxiety of being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Flights Full, Hearts Heavy
The scenes at Srinagar airport have been emotional. Tourists, some with kids in tow, lined up with suitcases and restless eyes. In response to the rush, airlines are adding more flights just to get people home. The hustle isn’t just about tickets—it’s about finding peace after a vacation that took a scary turn.
Local Dreams, Silenced Overnight
But while tourists leave, the pain stays behind. For locals who depend on tourism to feed their families, this blow is devastating. Hotels sit empty. Shops that once buzzed with laughter are now shuttered. And artisans who poured love into souvenirs see their hard work collecting dust.
This isn’t just a travel story—it’s a human story. One where safety, survival, and shattered hopes are all tangled up.
Kashmir Still Waits, Silently
The valley, once echoing with the hum of visitors, now feels eerily still. And while the wounds from this incident are fresh, Kashmir, with all its beauty and resilience, waits silently for peace to return—and for its people to dream again.
