It’s a happy scene again in Bhaderwah’s stunning valleys. After a tense break following the Pahalgam terror attack, Jammu and Kashmir’s high-altitude tourist spots are finally open, and buzzing. Tourists are back, locals are hopeful, and security has tightened to ensure nothing dims this natural paradise.
Nature, fear, and a fight to reopen
After the horrifying attack in Pahalgam on 22 April, which left 26 dead and dozens wounded, the region’s tourism came to a sudden halt. Bhaderwah’s key destinations, Chattargalla, Guldanda, Padri, Jai Valley and others, were shut as a safety precaution.
But this week, authorities acted swiftly. Extra Army columns, CRPF units and J&K Police were deployed across the Bhaderwah-Pathankot highway. With safety measures firmly in place, the region has flung its gates back open.
“We can breathe again,” said Yasir Wani, a shopkeeper at Nalthi. “We were on the edge after the attack. Today, thanks to the administration, we’re back in business.”
The Snow has not melted, and neither has the spirit
Hundreds of tourists braved lingering fears and reached Bhaderwah’s pristine valleys, many still blanketed in snow. From Guldanda to Bhal Padri, the scenes were magical: snowball fights, selfies with the peaks, kids building snowmen, and a deep sense of calm in the air.
Soldiers welcomed visitors with roses. Yes, roses. A gesture that made many tourists emotional, and proud.
“We were scared after the Pahalgam attack,” said Tanushree from Maharashtra. “But the Army welcomed us with flowers. I’ll never forget this trip.”
A message to the terrorists: We are not scared
For many visitors, just being there was a statement. One group from Gujarat said they travelled on purpose, to show terrorists that Kashmir will not be held hostage to fear.
“We trust our jawans,” said Dhurvin, a young tourist. “We came here to stand with the people. This is our country, and we won’t be scared away.”
Tourist numbers prove the point. By 3 PM, over 3,700 people had entered Bhaderwah through Nalthi. That’s not just a crowd, it’s a message.
Tourism means survival
For Bhaderwah’s locals, tourism is not just a bonus, it’s their livelihood. Around 250 families depend on the stretch between Guldanda and Chattargalla for daily income. The brief shutdown had rattled them. Now, with tourists returning, so is hope.
Shops are open. Guides are back at work. Taxi drivers are lining up for bookings. The buzz is back.
Safety first
Security is still tight. Patrols have increased around glaciers and routes close to sensitive areas. But the experience hasn’t lost its charm. If anything, the hospitality has doubled.
Tourists can now enjoy a full package: snow-covered meadows, trekking, glacial streams, and even warm tea from roadside stalls, all under safe watch.
Bhaderwah is back. Not because the fear is gone, but because the will to live and celebrate life is stronger. If you’re looking for beauty, snow, calm, and courage, you will find it all in this little corner of Jammu and Kashmir.
Sometimes the best way to fight fear… is to take the trip anyway.
