Pahalgam Joins Kashmir’s Best As The 2025 Tourism Festival Sets Record For Tourist Arrivals

Published on December 26, 2025

The beautiful town of Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir is celebrating a lively tourism festival which has been praised as a major success already in terms of the number of visitors and their interactions. The festival, beginning of this month and continuing until the end of this month, is intent on making Pahalgam a year-round tourist spot, drawing in visitors not only during the summer but also during winter, including the coming snow season.

Organised by the Pahalgam Development Authority (PDA) in collaboration with local stakeholders, the festival has infused new energy into the town’s tourism scene, which has traditionally seen a peak in summer months. According to the Chief Executive Officer of PDA, Hilal Ahmad, the event is part of a long-term strategy to diversify tourism activities in the region.

Festival Highlights and Cultural Engagement

The festival kicked off with great enthusiasm, drawing large crowds of visitors from across the country, especially from urban centres like Mumbai and Delhi. The symbolic inauguration of the event featured a six-year-old girl from Mumbai, a thoughtful gesture that underscored the message that tourism in Pahalgam is for everyone, regardless of age or origin.

One of the key features of the festival is its diverse range of activities that reflect both the natural beauty of Pahalgam and its cultural richness. Visitors can participate in workshops and cultural performances that celebrate the region’s heritage, explore local crafts and cuisine, and enjoy outdoor activities in the region’s picturesque landscapes. By doing so, the festival is able to reinforce Pahalgam’s reputation as one of Kashmir’s premier tourist destinations.

Boosting Tourism in Winter with Snow Sports and Adventure

Hilal Ahmad also pointed out that, as part of the long-term strategy, the PDA is working to bring snow sports to Betaab Valley, further extending the town’s appeal as a winter holiday spot. “We are actively working to introduce snow-based activities such as skiing and snowboarding in Betaab Valley. This will give visitors more options during the winter months, making Pahalgam an even more attractive destination,” he said. Betaab Valley, known for its stunning beauty and tranquil environment, is expected to draw both adventure seekers and nature lovers looking for an ideal winter retreat.

This move to develop winter tourism comes as part of the broader effort to make Pahalgam a place that offers something for everyone, all year round. From adventure activities like trekking and fishing in the summer to serene snow-based experiences in winter, the town is being promoted as a complete tourist package.

Community Involvement and Sustainable Tourism Development

The festival’s success can also be attributed to the strong involvement of the local community, which has consistently supported tourism in Pahalgam. According to Ahmad, the warm hospitality of local residents, hoteliers, ponywalas, and tour guides has played a pivotal role in attracting visitors to the region. He commended the local community for their tireless efforts in promoting Pahalgam’s tourism potential and noted that their participation is key to ensuring sustainable tourism development in the area.

The emphasis on community-based tourism is seen as an important strategy to ensure that tourism benefits are distributed across the region, directly benefiting local businesses and helping to preserve the area’s natural resources and cultural traditions.

Festival Draws Record Visitors Amid Pahalgam’s Growing Popularity

As the festival continues, the town has already seen a significant increase in the number of tourists compared to previous years. Local hotel bookings have surged, and tourism stakeholders are optimistic that the event will set a new benchmark for tourism in the region. The festival’s timing, during the holiday season, has undoubtedly contributed to the influx of tourists, but it is the town’s commitment to showcasing its year-round appeal that is proving to be the biggest draw.

Pahalgam’s newly introduced winter attractions, such as snow sports, combined with its rich cultural experiences, have made it a highly sought-after destination for both domestic and international tourists. Many visitors have remarked that the festival provided them with an opportunity to experience the destination in a completely new light, offering a blend of adventure, culture, and natural beauty that is hard to match.

The Road Ahead for Pahalgam

Looking ahead, the Pahalgam Development Authority plans to build on the momentum generated by the festival. As part of its future development goals, the PDA intends to continue expanding Pahalgam’s tourism offerings by introducing additional events, activities, and facilities aimed at enhancing the visitor experience. “This festival is just the beginning. We are committed to ensuring that Pahalgam remains a top-tier destination for tourists, offering new experiences and activities every year,” Ahmad stated.

For now, visitors are encouraged to explore Pahalgam’s festival offerings, which are set to continue until the year’s end. Whether you’re visiting for the stunning views, the adventure sports, or the warm hospitality, the festival provides a perfect opportunity to experience the best of this beautiful town in the heart of Kashmir.

Final Thoughts

Pahalgam Tourism Festival 2025 has been a wonderful catalyst for the growth of the town’s tourism, it has already begun to attract more visitors and reveal the real potential of the region. If Pahalgam keeps growing as an all-seasons destination, the attraction will be bigger and the town will surely be among the top tourist places in India. Be it an adventure addict, a culture buff, or a person in quest of a serene hideaway, Pahalgam is now the place with something for everybody, throughout the year.