In what should be one of the busiest times of the year, Leh in Ladakh appears nearly deserted, leaving locals and regular visitors stunned. The recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, seems to have had a ripple effect across the tourism sector, leading to vacant hotels and cancelled bookings, not just in Kashmir, but also in nearby Leh.
This has caused a huge revenue decline for the tourism industry there, and all the people whose income depended on it are struggling.
Tourism Crash in Leh After Pahalgam Attack
Rattan Dhillon, a frequent visitor to the region, shared a video online showing Leh’s streets — usually teeming with tourists in June — looking strangely empty. Sharing the clip on X (formerly Twitter), he wrote:
“Hard to believe this is Ladakh in June right in the middle of peak season. I’ve been visiting Leh for the past 10 years and have never seen the town this quiet and deserted, with so few tourists around. Looks like the Pahalgam incident has had a huge impact! Hoping things bounce back here soon!”
Posted on June 11, the video quickly went viral, gaining over 37,000 views, hundreds of likes, and a flood of comments expressing concern for Leh’s tourism-dependent economy.
Social Media Reactions
One user commented, “Sad to see this… this town lives on income from tourists.” Another added, “Totally unexpected for peak season! Hoping things bounce back soon… Leh’s magic deserves to be alive again!”
Many others shared similar observations. A commenter noted, “I had visited in May right after the incident. Hardly any tourists around. Local tourism is badly affected by this.”
Some pointed to additional problems that may have worsened the decline:
“It’s been on the decline. According to me, multiple factors—super expensive taxis and flights, distance, bad roads, altitude, and health issues, coupled with bad health care support. But people like me have explored every corner of this beautiful landscape.”
The Pahalgam attack led to widespread fear and cancellations, even from those who had already arrived. Tourist footfall in Kashmir has plummeted, and since many visitors also head to Leh and other scenic spots nearby, the impact has been deeply felt.
This is a sharp contrast to the norm—lakhs of tourists typically visit daily in summer, often exploring valleys on horseback. Now, Leh’s tourism sector reels from the impact, as locals and businesses hope safety and tourist confidence will return soon.