2 years on, Kupwara’s Bangus Valley stays shut, tourism economy suffers

The useful part

The closure comes even as several other tourist destinations across Jammu and Kashmir have reopened, leaving those whose businesses grew around Bangus facing mounting losses. Its growing popularity had fuelled a local tourism economy, with hotels, restaurants, transport services, horse riding and roadside stalls emerging along the routes and in adjoining areas. Mohammad Irshad, owner of Khowaja Darbar hotel and restaurant in Chowkibal, said he had invested in the business after taking a loan in 2024, expecting Bangus to attract a steady flow of visitors.

How it works

• Over two years after Bangus Valley was closed following the Pahalgam tourist attack, tourism-dependent businesses in north Kashmir's Kupwara district continue to struggle, with traders, hoteliers,...
• The valley is accessible through Handwara and Chowkibal.
• With Bangus remaining closed, only two workers are now left," he said.
• Irshad said meeting the monthly loan instalment had become difficult and warned that he may be forced to shut the business if the situation persists.
• Muneer Sheikh, another hotel owner, said bookings and orders had dried up since the closure.

What to take from it

Since its closure, demand has fallen drastically and we are now dependent on limited local business," he said. Transporters who invested in vehicles specifically for tourist trips have also been hit.

Details worth keeping

"I took a loan in 2024 and started the business. Within a year, I had employed five people as the business was doing well. A local driver said he bought a top-model Scorp...