In the aftermath of the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam’s Baisaran Valley on April 22, 2025-which claimed the lives of 26 civilians, including 25 tourists-the Jammu and Kashmir government has launched an unprecedented security clampdown across the Valley.
Jammu & Kashmir authorities have implemented sweeping closures of trekking routes across the region. Here is the latest status based on official orders and trekking community updates:
Here is the latest status based on official orders and trekking community updates:
Closed Treks and Trekking Destinations
- All forest department trekking routes are closed: The J&K Forest Department has ordered the closure of all its trekking routes for tourists, both short and long, across every district. This includes off-beat and deep forest trails that have gained popularity in recent years4.
- Popular treks and alpine lake routes now shut:
- Kashmir Great Lakes Trek (including Kishansar, Vishansar, Gadsar, Satsar, Nundkul, Gangabal)4
- Tarsar Marsar Trek
- Famber Valley Trek
- Kulgam Alpine Lakes
- Kousarnag Trek (high-altitude lake in Shopian/Kulgam)
- Chonar Lakes, Kishtwar
- Trans-Himalayan trek from Kishtwar to Panikher, Ladakh4
- Dodapathri (Doodhpathri) Meadows Trek
- Bangus Valley Trek
- Yusmarg Trek
- Aharbal Waterfall and adjacent trekking trails
- Verinag and surrounding treks
- Gurez Valley treks
- Baba Reshi and Shrunz Falls (Gulmarg region)
- Naranag ruins and alpine treks (Ganderbal district)
Open Treks and Trekking Destinations – Kashmir
- No major trekking routes in Kashmir are open at this time.
- Only some main tourist hubs (Gulmarg, Sonamarg, Dal Lake, Pahalgam town) remain open, but their trekking trails are closed or heavily restricted
- Short walks or garden strolls within high-security tourist zones may still be possible, but all forest and alpine treks are officially shut
Trekking Routes Status in Kashmir
| Trekking Route / Area | Status |
|---|---|
| Kashmir Great Lakes, Tarsar Marsar, Kousarnag, Bangus, Gurez, Dodapathri, Yusmarg, Verinag, Aharbal, Famber Valley, Chonar Lakes, Naranag, Baba Reshi, Shrunz Falls | Closed |
| Forest Department Treks (all districts) | Closed |
| Treks by Indiahikes and other major operators | Suspended until at least May 11, 2025 |
| Short walks in main tourist towns (Gulmarg, Sonamarg, Pahalgam town) | Open (no trekking) |
Full List of Closed Tourist Destinations in Kashmir
Below is the comprehensive list of the 48 tourist destinations and resorts currently closed to visitors across Jammu and Kashmir, as per official orders and media reports:
- Yousmarg
- Tosa Maidan
- Doodhpathri
- Aharbal
- Kousarnag
- Bangus
- Kariwan Diver
- Chandigam
- Bangus Valley
- Wular/Watlab
- Rampora and Rajpora
- Charar-e-Sharief
- Mundij-Hamam-Markoot Waterfall
- Khampoo, Bosnia, Vijitop
- Sun Temple Kheribal
- Verinag Garden
- Sinthan Top
- Margan Top
- Akad Park
- Habba Khatoon Point, Kawnar
- Babareshi Tangmarg
- Ringawali Tangmarg
- Gogaldara Tangmarg
- Baderkote Tangmarg
- Shrunz Waterfall
- Kaman Post, Uri
- Namblan Waterfall
- Eco Park Khadniyar
- Sangarwani
- Jamia Masjid (Srinagar)
- Badamwari
- Rajouri Kadal – Hotel Kanaaz
- Aali Kadal – JJ Food Restaurant
- Ivory Hotel, Gandtal (Theed)
- Padshapal Resorts and Restaurant
- Cherry Tree Resort
- North Cliff Café and Retreat by Stay
- Forest Hill Cottage
- Eco Village Resort
- Astanmarg View Point
- Astanmarg Paragliding Spot
- Mamneth and Mahadev Hills
- Buddhist Monastery
- Dachigam – Beyond Trout Farm
- Astanpora
- Lachpatri Lateral
- Hung Park, Naranag
Note: Some trekking trails and adventure spots, including the high-altitude Kousarnag and Dodapathri meadows, are also closed
Major Tourist Spots That Remain Open
Despite the sweeping closures, several prominent tourist destinations with robust security arrangements remain open to visitors:
- Gulmarg
- Sonamarg
- Dal Lake (Srinagar)
- Pahalgam (main town, with some restricted areas)
- Mughal Gardens (Srinagar)
- Other high-security zones
Authorities have deployed additional paramilitary and police forces at these sites, with anti-terror squads on alert to ensure visitor safety
Kashmir Tourist Destinations Status
| Tourist Destination | Status |
|---|---|
| Yousmarg, Doodhpathri, Aharbal, Kousarnag, Bangus, Gurez, Verinag, Wular, Charar-e-Sharief, Jamia Masjid, etc. | Closed |
| Gulmarg, Sonamarg, Dal Lake, Mughal Gardens, Pahalgam (main town) | Open (with restrictions) |
