Jammu and Kashmir is a traveler's paradise where not just Indians but travelers from every part of the world come for a pacifying vacation. Loaded with nature's beauty like lakes, mountains, valleys, and wildlife. There is always a new story from this destination that makes headlines over the media and the internet. You can find all those latest updates and news on Jammu Kashmir Tourism here, which will help you plan your next trip to Kashmir better.
Jammu and Kashmir Update has it that Gulmarg, the popular ski destination in Kashmir, has been declared a tobacco-free zone, marking a substantial step towards promoting healthier tourism. The initiative, spearheaded by the J&K Tourism Department in collaboration with the Health Department, aims to create a cleaner and more wholesome environment for visitors.
This move aligns with global efforts to reduce tobacco use and its harmful effects. With designated smoking areas now a thing of the past, authorities hope to encourage responsible tourism and enhance the overall experience for those enjoying Gulmarg's pristine beauty and thrilling winter sports. This tobacco-free designation not only benefits Gulmarg Tourism, but also contributes to the well-being of local residents and the preservation of Gulmarg's natural charm.
The popular hill station in Central Kashmir, Sonmarg, welcomed 55,934 visitors in January 2025. This represents a major increase in winter tourism in Kashmir Valley in just one month. Travelers visit the Himalayas for its snow-covered vista, frozen rivers, and thrilling adventure activities.
The most recent statistics of Sonmarg Tourism show domestic tourists made up 53,676 of the total visitors. Local residents and international visitors were 1,114 and 1,144 during one month of this year's first month of winter season. Tourism officials attributed the recent increase to better infrastructure, improved connectivity, and increased awareness about the region's unmatched natural beauty.
The Sonmarg Tunnel inauguration has also revolutionized accessibility by enabling continuous travel during peak winter periods. The tunnel serves as a key factor that enhances connectivity and drives economic growth through increased visitor numbers to the valley. As anticipated, the tunnel is contributing significantly to make Sonmarg a popular tourist destination in Jammu and Kashmir.
Further, Sonmarg's appeal has increased with the establishment of a skiing camp and winter sports activities that provide thrilling adventures in the untouched Himalayan landscape. According to the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Update, the Western Disturbance will drive fresh snowfall throughout the valley until February 5. The government's plan to establish Kashmir as a worldwide tourism destination positions Sonmarg as a leading winter travel destination.
The Kashmir Valley which people call "Paradise on Earth" has experienced unprecedented tourism growth that established it as an International destination for leisure, adventure, and cultural discovery. According to latest Jammu and Kashmir tourism news update, the region reached a historic milestone in 2024 by hosting 2,986,780 visitors including 43,654 international tourist arrivals in Kashmir marking a 16% increase in foreign guests from 2023.
The alpine beauty, cultural richness, and pristine landscapes of Kashmir have attracted international travelers to this destination. Millions of visitors have been attracted to Dal Lake, Mughal Gardens, and Tulip Garden in Srinagar as well as the snow-covered Gulmarg slopes and peaceful Pahalgam valleys. Tourism enthusiasts are discovering the offbeat destinations of Bungus, Gurez, and Tangdhar which recently opened full-fledged for tourism.
The Tourism Department's aggressive promotion of the region through international fairs, digital campaigns, and roadshows has led to this resurgence. The region's attractiveness has grown stronger through better infrastructure development, enhanced connectivity, and improved security measures. July 2024 became the busiest month when more than 500,000 people visited the valley to experience its unmatched natural wonders. The valley draws environmentally aware tourists because of its dedication to sustainable tourism practices. The local residents of Kashmir actively work together to protect their environment which keeps the valley's natural beauty intact. Travelers across Europe, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia appreciated Kashmir's welcoming spirit, cultural energy, and budget-friendliness relative to European destinations.
Kashmir aims to transform into one of the top tourist destinations with high international visits in India by 2025 through its strategic focus on wellness and spiritual tourism development. Travelers should prioritize visiting Kashmir Valley which offers breathtaking landscapes alongside rich heritage and diverse experiences.
According to the latest updates on Jammu and Kashmir Tourism, the recent inauguration of the Z-Morh Tunnel near Gagangir in Kashmir will make Sonamarg a round the year destination, making it available for even winter sports and tourism. This mega infrastructural development project provides all-weather road connectivity to Sonamarg avoiding the zones that are prone to landslides and avalanches on the Srinagar-Leh highway. Consequently, the beautiful hill station that was closed to visitors during the winter season will now be available for tourists throughout the year.
As there would be more tourists visiting Jammu and Kashmir with seamless connectivity, to support the development of Sonamarg as a winter sports destination Sonamarg Development Authority (SDA) has given a boost to the construction of ice-skating rink there.
Kashmir tourism received 2.35 crore tourists in the year 2024 which broke the record of 2023 with 2.11 crore tourists. A three-fold increase in foreign tourists visiting Jammu and Kashmir seen in the last two years only adds to the growing popularity of the region.
This boom is being fueled by key infrastructure developments. The recently opened 6.5-kilometer Z-Morh tunnel near Sonamarg, constructed at a cost of ₹27,000 crore, will provide all-weather connectivity, revolutionizing Sonmarg tourism in winter and also the local economy.
However, according to the latest updates on Jammu and Kashmir Tourism, the Zojila tunnel, which is under construction and expected to be completed by 2026, will ensure year-round connectivity to more Himalayan regions including Ladakh, to give a boost to tourism and trade.
While the valley is covered with snow, people especially tourists throng places like Gulmarg and Pahalgam to capture beautiful moments and make them the new popular tourist destination in Jammu and Kashmir in even harsh winters.
It is believed that this initiative will stimulate local tourism and create new opportunities for young people in the sports and hospitality industries. The rink has already started gaining popularity and many tourists visit Sonamarg to enjoy ice skating along with the scenic beauty.
The construction of the Z-Morh Tunnel along with the new winter sports facilities for Sonmarg tourism, also makes it a viable contender to other skiing resorts such as Gulmarg. Due to the improved mobility, the tunnel provides an opportunity to explore the area, which combines extreme tourism, stunning views, and history. This development not only helps the tourism sector but also helps in the growth of employment and trade in the region.
Kashmir, known as the ‘Paradise on Earth’ is experiencing a record influx of tourists. The Valley received 2.9 million tourists in 2024, a record that changed the face of the region’s tourism industry. The new snow has further enhanced the beauty of the Kashmir Division; all the hotels and houseboats have been booked for January 2025.
The official statistics reflecting 2.95 million as the total number of tourists from Jammu and Kashmir tourism in 2024, was higher than 2.71 million in 2023 and 2.67 million in 2022. This wonderful growth is a result of various factors such as the expansion of tourist attractions and constant improvement of the infrastructure.
The Jammu and Kashmir administration is zealously planning to improve the visitor experience by creating 75 new tourist attractions, 75 heritage and cultural sites, 75 Sufism and religious sites, and 75 adventure treks in Kashmir tourism. This is expected to enhance the region's attractiveness as tourists will be able to enjoy the tranquility of lakes, snowy mountains, and cultural and spiritual tourism among others.
Another major achievement is the gradual increase in foreign tourists’ visits to the country. According to the data, the Valley received 43,000 international tourists in 2024, an increase from the 37,000 tourists in 2023. This has been attributed to the enhanced law and order situation and the general security situation that has prevailed in the region thus enhancing confidence among international travelers.
Tourism authorities look forward to even higher achievements in the coming year and, in particular, in 2025. The valley is again blanketed with snow and there are expectations of new developments in the offing, Kashmir remains a timeless beauty for travelers across the globe.
As the recent snowfall covered the landscape of the Himalayan valleys, record tourist arrivals in the Kashmir region have amazingly crossed the mark of even the Christmas and New Year holidays.
In the first week of January 2025, the valley has received more than 12000 tourists. Places like Gulmarg famous for ski resorts and Srinagar famous for Dal Lake and houseboats have become the focal point of this tourism. After two major spells of snowfall, the valley has opened up to tourists who want to witness the beauty of Kashmir in its winter avatar.
As per the information, most of the hotels and houseboats are fully booked; it shows that the tourism season is going very well and it may cross the record of 2024. In December, the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department said that 2024 was one of the best years for tourism in the valley, with visitor numbers up by more than 10 percent compared to the previous year.
Although places like Sonamarg, Pahalgam, and the Mughal Gardens are attracting a lot of tourists, adventure lovers are particularly excited about the activities like skiing, snowboarding in Gulmarg, and gondola rides in Kashmir Tourism. On the other hand, families and couples are going for the peaceful Shikara rides in Srinagar and relishing the Kashmiri food under the snow-clad chinar trees.
Here is quick access to important website links on Jammu and Kashmir travel and tourism to help you learn more and make planning your Kashmir vacation easier.
Kashmir Tours Online
