Budgam’s key tourism destinations remain closed, locals hit hard

Budgam, Feb 8: Despite a gradual return of tourists to the Valley following recent snowfall, several major eco-tourism destinations in central Kashmirís Budgam district continue to remain closed, dealing a severe blow to local livelihoods.

While multiple tourist spots across J&K have reopened, Budgamís prominent destinations Yousmarg, Doodhpathri, and Tosamaidan  remain out of bounds.

Even shepherds have not been allowed to graze their livestock this season.

The prolonged closure of these areas have halted tourist movement entirely, affecting hundreds of families who rely on tourism for income.

Ansar Hussain, a trekker and local, said: ìBudgam is blessed with some of the most beautiful natural hiking destinations, especially in the upper belt but many routes are inaccessible. As travel and nature enthusiasts, we want to explore these areas not just for leisure but because they enrich our lives. Hiking promotes physical fitness, mental well-being, and keeps youth away from harmful activities. At a time when drug addiction is rising, reopening these natural spaces can offer young people a healthy alternative and a sense of purpose.î

Another local of Yousmarg, Manzoor Ahmad Sofi, a homestay owner, said the governmentís push for promoting trekking routes is encouraging but has not benefitted Budgam.

ìIt is a good step to promote hiking and trekking across Jammu and Kashmir. Our natural beauty is unmatched ó even better than Switzerland,î he said. ìBut our youth are unemployed. Tourism is the only hope for generating revenue and jobs.î

Sofi said Kashmir has nearly 80 trekking routes, and the government should prioritise reopening them, especially after many areas were closed following the Pahalgam attack.  ìWe built and registered homestays, took loans, renovated buildings, but everything is shut. We are suffering huge losses. Even our children are affected because we no longer have resources,î he said.

Sofi said that locals have submitted multiple grievances to the Lieutenant Governorís office, urging the administration to reopen Yousmarg.

ìWe appeal to the government to open these destinations. We feel imprisoned in our own land,î he said.

Another local from the Arizal area said, ìpeople have taken loans to buy ATVs and horses but due to a year long shutdown they are unable to pay the debt.

By: Aala Bukhari