Jammu and Kashmir’s Paddar Region: From Tragedy to Tourism Boom, A Resilient Path to Adventure and Spiritual Growth

Published on December 4, 2025

Paddar, a picturesque region in Jammu and Kashmir, is well-known for its natural beauty and spiritual significance. However, it wasn’t until 2024 that its journey to becoming a popular adventure tourism destination really began. This year, Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s visit to Paddar not only raised awareness of the sacred Machail Mata pilgrimage but also highlighted two critical projects: the construction of the Atholi-Machail-Zanskar Road and the proposal for an Adventure Tourism Training Institute in Paddar. Both announcements sparked great excitement among the local population and tourism stakeholders, providing a glimpse into a future in which adventure and spirituality coexist peacefully.

As the region’s sacred trails, including the Machail Yatra, already attract hundreds of thousands of pilgrims each year, the introduction of these new projects aimed to combine tourism and adventure activities, giving Paddar a much-needed boost. With the Machail Yatra alone attracting nearly three lakh pilgrims each year, Paddar is emerging as a promising destination for both spiritual seekers and adventurers.

The Emergence of Adventure Tourism in Paddar

Around four years ago, Paddar saw its first foray into commercial adventure tourism with the introduction of water rafting. This marked a turning point for the region, traditionally known for its spiritual significance. Thanks to the support of the local administration and the Indian Army, rafting became a major attraction, pulling tourists from across the region. The success of this initial venture inspired local youth to further explore the potential of their homeland. The creation of additional adventure activities, including ziplining and trekking, soon followed.

One significant milestone was the official recognition of the rafting zone, which extended from Shiv Mandir Gulabgarh to Kundal, by the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department. This designation solidified Paddar’s growing reputation as an adventure tourism hub. Additionally, young entrepreneurs in the region leveraged government support schemes like the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) to construct a zipline structure. The zipline quickly became a top attraction, elevating Paddar’s profile further and drawing more visitors to this scenic region nestled in the Himalayas.

Tragedy Strikes: The Devastating Cloudburst

However, the dream of transforming Paddar into a thriving adventure tourism destination was shattered on August 14, 2025, when a devastating cloudburst struck the village of Chishoti. The natural disaster claimed the lives of over a hundred people and caused extensive damage to local infrastructure. The timing of the tragedy was especially poignant, as it occurred during the peak of the Machail Yatra, one of the largest religious events in the region.

The devastation left the people of Paddar in mourning, with the region struggling to come to terms with the loss of lives and the destruction of property. Businesses, including those in the growing adventure tourism sector, faced significant setbacks. Local entrepreneurs, who had invested their time, money, and energy into promoting tourism, were hit the hardest. Among them were the pioneers of the rafting and zipline initiatives, whose businesses were either severely impacted or destroyed.

The Struggles of Local Entrepreneurs

The cloudburst not only brought grief but also highlighted the bureaucratic challenges faced by local entrepreneurs in Paddar. The land where the first zipline was built, along the banks of the Chenab River, had long been under the ownership of the Sheep and Wool Department. Despite its barren and unused state for decades, the department claimed the land and labelled the zipline structure as “encroachment”. The young entrepreneurs behind the venture were forced to dismantle their project, which had become a beacon of hope for the region.

This setback revealed the stark reality that, while local youth were eager to contribute to Paddar’s tourism growth, they faced significant obstacles from an indifferent bureaucracy. The dismantling of the zipline structure was not just a loss for the entrepreneurs; it was a loss for the entire region, which had seen a glimmer of hope in these youth-driven initiatives. What started as a community-driven project had now been brought to a halt, leaving these young visionaries disheartened and questioning the support systems meant to uplift them.

The Unfulfilled Promise of Adventure Tourism Training

When Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited Paddar in September 2024, he announced plans for an Adventure Tourism Training Institute in the region. The announcement generated a sense of optimism, with locals hoping that the new institute would provide the necessary infrastructure and training to develop adventure tourism into a thriving industry. However, as time passed, the promised institute failed to materialise, leaving local entrepreneurs and the community feeling let down.

The delay in implementing these promises has further stymied the progress of Paddar’s tourism sector. Despite the fervour and passion displayed by local youth, the region’s adventure tourism potential remains largely untapped. The challenge now lies in rekindling the spirit of optimism and rebuilding the tourism infrastructure that had begun to take shape in Paddar.

A Path Forward: Resilience and Vision

Although Paddar’s tourism industry faces significant challenges, there is still hope. Despite their setbacks, local entrepreneurs remain determined to rebuild what has been lost. Their tenacity and determination exemplify the spirit of Paddar, which is defined not only by its scenic beauty and spiritual significance but also by the strength of its inhabitants.

The region’s tourist potential is undeniable. Paddar, with its proximity to sacred pilgrimage sites and the majestic Himalayan ranges, provides a unique blend of spirituality and adventure. The introduction of adventure tourism activities such as rafting and ziplining has already paved the way for future growth. To fully realise Paddar’s tourism potential, the government, local administration, and private sector must all work together.

Paddar’s story is more than just about tourism; it’s about resilience, vision, and the power of local entrepreneurship. As Jammu and Kashmir’s tourism industry expands, it is critical that areas like Paddar receive the attention and support they require. Paddar has the potential to become one of the premier adventure tourism destinations in the Himalayas by empowering local entrepreneurs and creating a positive growth environment.