Dark clouds cover the skyline above Karsog valley, in Mandi district, Himachal Pradesh
With tensions between India and Pakistan de-escalating and the situation returning to normal, tourism in Himachal Pradesh has begun to pick up again. The increasing temperatures in other parts of the country and pleasant weather in the hills are drawing tourists to Himachal Pradesh.
Tourism stakeholders, who had suffered a temporary slump, are now optimistic and smiling again, hopeful for a strong summer season. The return of tourists has relieved many who depend on the travel industry for their livelihood. Among them is Maqsood, a Kashmiri migrant labourer who has been working as a porter at the Shimla Railway Station for over four decades, and has described the impact of recent geopolitical tensions on the local tourism economy.
Speaking to ANI, Maqsood, said, “Earlier, business was going well,” Maqsood recalled. “But when there was some trouble at the India-Pakistan border, tourists completely stopped coming. Now that the situation has improved, tourists have started arriving again over the past four or five days. We are hopeful that things will stay peaceful and good. People are coming by buses, taxis, and trains–Shimla is packed once again.”
“The weather is warming up after recent rains, and the tension has eased. We expect a lot of tourists this year. Rooms are still available for now, but the season is just starting. Shimla is calling–it’s the best place. Himachal is a very good and peaceful place. There’s no conflict here–never has been, and never will be,” he said. Tourists themselves are also expressing satisfaction and relief.
As Himachal Pradesh enters its summer season, the hills are again echoing with visitors’ laughter, the buzz of activity and the hope of a thriving tourism economy.
Published on May 17, 2025