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Patnitop Bounces Back: Tourists Flock for Christmas & New Year After Pahalgam Setback

Tourists are flocking to Patnitop in Ramban district to celebrate Christmas and New Year, providing a crucial boost to local hotels and cafes that suffered after the Pahalgam attack. Business owners express hope that the increased footfall will revive their livelihoods following months of downturn. Visitors cite the pleasant weather and scenic beauty as a welcome escape from city pollution and the tragedies of the past year. The surge in tourism signals a resilient recovery for the region as it embraces the festive season.

Key Points: Patnitop Sees Tourist Surge for Christmas & New Year Celebrations

  • Post-attack tourism recovery
  • Local businesses optimistic
  • Escaping city pollution
  • Celebrating amid past tragedies
  • Scenic winter destination
3 min read

J-K: Patnitop buzzing with tourists gearing up for Christmas and New Year celebrations

Tourists throng Patnitop, J&K, for year-end holidays, bringing relief to local businesses impacted by the Pahalgam attack and landslides.

"Our work ended because of Pahalgam... I hope this will provide us some relief. - Maheshwar, Hotelier"

Ramban, December 25

As 2025 draws to a close, tourists seeking a break from city life have thronged Patnitop in Ramban district to celebrate Christmas and New Year, in the aftermath of the Pahalgam incident, in which terrorists killed 26 tourists.

Amid the surge in visitors, hoteliers and cafe owners expressed optimism about improved business, noting that tourism had taken a hit following the Pahalgam attack, which had significantly reduced their business.

As tourists flock in, local businesses are expecting a much-needed boost. Maheshwar, a hotelier based in Ramban, said that increased footfall in the valley will drive economic growth.

"Our work ended because of Pahalgam... There were two trains earlier, now there are four, so we hope our work will expand... There is Christmas and New Year... I hope this will provide us some relief..." Maheshwar told ANI.

Kumar, a cafe owner in Ramban, said their business has been affected over the past 8-9 months due to the Pahalgam attack and recent landslide incidents. He expressed hope for increased business on December 25 and on December 31.

"Our work has been down for 8-9 months, due to Pahalgam and landslides incidents...so we hope work gets started on December 25, we get work too on December 31, we pray to god, everybody gets good work," Kumar told ANI.

Many tourists in Patnitop said they are enjoying their time, appreciating the pleasant environment, and looking forward to the New Year celebrations.

Devansh, a tourist from Ghaziabad, said they are visiting Patnitop to escape the city's prevailing pollution and described the weather there as pleasant.

"We have come here to escape the pollution in Ghaziabad. It is cold, and we are having fun. We will plan to celebrate Christmas and the New Year in Jammu and Kashmir.I am excited," Devansh told ANI.

Meena Sharma, another tourist from Katra, also praised the area's weather and scenic beauty, adding that despite 2025 being marked by painful incidents, they have come to enjoy the moment.

"The scenery is beautiful, the weather is good, the year 2025 was marked by painful incidents like the Pahalgam attack, airplane crash, etc, to keep these incidents aside, we are on a holiday for Christmas and New Year celebrations, we are happy and are enjoying. We ate food together, and we are feeling good," Sharma told ANI.

Earlier, tourists enjoyed fresh snowfall in Gulmarg, as the popular place was covered in a thick blanket of snow, turning the region into a picturesque winter destination and drawing visitors to the scenic beauty.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
While I'm happy tourism is picking up, we must not forget the security concerns. The government needs to ensure foolproof safety for tourists. It's a delicate balance between promoting tourism and preventing another tragedy. My prayers are with the families affected in Pahalgam.
D
David E
Visiting Patnitop last winter was magical. The scenery is straight out of a postcard. It's great to hear businesses are getting a boost. The local hospitality is unmatched. More power to the people of Jammu and Kashmir!
A
Aman W
As someone from a hill station, I understand how crucial tourism is for local livelihoods. 8-9 months of low business is devastating. Hope the New Year brings sustained peace and prosperity to the region. Jai Hind!
S
Sneha F
The tourist from Ghaziabad mentioned escaping pollution – this is so true for us in the NCR! Sometimes you just need clean air and mountains. Glad they are having fun. Makes me want to plan a trip too. 🏔️
K
Kumar
(Not the cafe owner from article). Respectfully, the article focuses on celebrations, but the underlying message is of economic desperation. "We hope our work will expand... I hope this will provide some relief..." – these statements reveal deep anxiety. The development and security promises for the region need to translate into stable, year-round income for its people.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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