2.94 lakh domestic tourists via Banihal road
1.47 lakh air arrivals
55,997 via Nowgam railway station
Aatif Qayoom
Srinagar, May 17: Kashmir is witnessing a strong tourism surge this year, driven by better air, road and rail connectivity, with official figures showing that more than 5.21 lakh tourists visited the Valley in just four and a half months of 2026.
The latest tourism data reveals that 5,21,481 tourists arrived in Kashmir between January and May 14. The number includes 5,13,286 domestic tourists and 8,195 foreign visitors, pointing to a sharp rise in travel activity across J&K.
Officials attribute the increase to improved mobility and easier access to the Valley through multiple transport routes. The Jammu Srinagar National Highway via Banihal continued to handle the highest tourist movement, while rail connectivity also showed significant growth this year.
According to the figures, 2,94,965 domestic tourists entered Kashmir by road through Banihal, making it the busiest route for visitors. Srinagar Airport recorded 1,47,454 domestic arrivals during the period.
Rail services also contributed heavily to the tourist rush. While 14,870 domestic tourists travelled through Banihal railway station, another 55,997 visitors arrived through Nowgam railway station in Srinagar, underlining the growing preference for train travel among tourists.
Foreign tourist arrivals remained encouraging as well. Srinagar Airport alone handled 7,962 foreign visitors, while 229 entered through the Banihal road route. Four foreign tourists arrived at Nowgam railway station.
The month-wise data reflects a steady rise in tourist footfall as the season progresses.
In January, Kashmir received 91,710 tourists, including 90,275 domestic and 1,435 foreign visitors. February saw the figure rise to 1,00,769 tourists, including 98,875 domestic arrivals and 1,894 foreigners.
Tourist arrivals crossed the one lakh mark in March, when 1,12,430 visitors reached the Valley. The number further jumped in April, which recorded the highest monthly tourist inflow of the year so far at 1,32,828 arrivals, including 2,289 foreign tourists.
Even in the first two weeks of May, tourist movement has remained strong. Till May 14, Kashmir recorded 83,744 tourist arrivals, including 83,252 domestic tourists and 492 foreign visitors.
The figures show that April witnessed the highest air traffic as 44,519 domestic tourists arriving through Srinagar Airport during the month alone. Road traffic also peaked in April with 72,642 domestic visitors entering through Banihal.
Officials said the growing tourist numbers indicate rising confidence among travellers and reflect the impact of improved infrastructure and connectivity in J&K. Easier road access, increasing flight frequency and expanding railway services are steadily transforming travel to Kashmir, making the Valley accessible to a larger number of visitors from across the country and abroad.
With the peak summer season still ahead, the tourism sector expects the numbers to rise further in the coming months.
