Srinagar, Sep 8: The picturesque Sonamarg resort has emerged as one of the major attractions for visitors to Kashmir this year, recording more than 6 lakh above tourist arrivals during the first eight months of 2026, indicating a strong recovery in the Valley’s tourism sector.
Official figures shared by the Tourism Police show that 617,269 visitors travelled to Sonamarg between January 1 and August 31. The numbers include domestic and international tourists as well as visitors from within Jammu and Kashmir.
The subsequent coordinated efforts by the government, tourism stakeholders and travel agencies gradually helped restore confidence among prospective visitors. Travel representatives from different parts of the country also visited Jammu and Kashmir and promoted the Valley as a tourist destination.
The renewed movement of visitors has provided a much-needed boost to the local economy. With hotels, restaurants, transport services and other tourism-linked businesses witnessing increased activity, several workers who had earlier lost employment opportunities have also returned to work.
The Tourism Police data indicates that Sonamarg received 373,348 domestic tourists, 8,947 foreign visitors and 234,974 local visitors during the January-August period.
The resort recorded 115,320 visitors in January, including 86,523 domestic tourists, 1,379 foreigners and 27,418 local visitors.
In February, the combined footfall stood at 111,455, comprising 48,594 domestic, 1,633 foreign and 61,228 local visitors. March saw 39,081 visitors, while April recorded 50,957 arrivals.
The tourist rush increased during May and June, when Sonamarg received 75,085 and 84,223 visitors, respectively.
July witnessed a comparatively lower tourist turnout, with 43,960 visitors, while August recorded 26,390 arrivals.
The figures show that the resort continued to attract visitors throughout the season, with its snow-covered peaks, green meadows, river streams and surrounding mountain landscape remaining major attractions.
