Kangra sees strongest tourism revival since Covid, records over six lakh visitors

Kangra district in Himachal Pradesh is witnessing its strongest tourism recovery since the Covid-19 pandemic, with visitor numbers reaching their highest levels in recent years. Hotels are reporting high occupancy, cafes are buzzing with customers, and popular tourist destinations are once again crowded with travelers from across India and abroad.

According to tourism department data, more than six lakh tourists visited Kangra during the first six months of 2026. The impressive figure marks a major turnaround for the district, which struggled with declining visitor numbers during and after the pandemic. The latest numbers suggest that Kangra is steadily moving back toward its pre-Covid tourism peak and regaining its position as one of India's most popular hill destinations.

Tourism has always been a major contributor to the local economy in Kangra. From hotels and restaurants to taxi operators, shopkeepers, guides, and adventure tourism providers, thousands of families depend directly or indirectly on the sector for their livelihood. The recent increase in tourist arrivals has therefore brought renewed optimism to businesses across the district.

The district recorded over six lakh visitors during the first half of 2026, a significant increase compared to approximately 4.7 lakh visitors during the same period in 2025. The upward trend has been visible over the last few years, with arrivals reaching around 4.6 lakh in 2024 and 3.3 lakh in 2023.

These numbers highlight a steady recovery after the devastating impact of the pandemic, which brought travel and tourism to a near standstill across the world.

Tourism makes a strong comeback

Before Covid-19, Himachal Pradesh was one of India's most sought-after tourist destinations, attracting both domestic and international travelers. Scenic mountains, pleasant weather, spiritual centers, adventure activities, and cultural attractions made the state especially popular among tourists.

However, the pandemic severely affected the tourism industry. Travel restrictions, lockdowns, and health concerns led to a dramatic decline in visitor numbers.

Tourist arrivals in Kangra fell sharply during the first six months of 2020, reaching only about 1.59 lakh visitors. The situation worsened in 2021 when arrivals dropped further to nearly 1.02 lakh. Although the district began recovering in 2022 with around 1.89 lakh visitors, the tourism industry still faced significant challenges.

The real recovery became visible over the next few years. Tourism stakeholders say that 2026 has been the strongest year since the pandemic, with visitor numbers rising sharply month after month.

According to official figures, May and June recorded particularly impressive growth.

In May 2026, Kangra welcomed approximately 1.25 lakh domestic tourists and 3,544 foreign visitors. In comparison, May 2025 saw around 65,000 domestic tourists and 1,750 international visitors.

The growth continued in June as well. Domestic tourist arrivals increased to approximately 1.53 lakh this year, compared to 1.15 lakh during the same month last year. Foreign tourist arrivals also rose from 1,808 in June 2025 to 2,012 in June 2026.

Officials say the rise reflects growing confidence among travelers and the renewed appeal of hill destinations.

Kangra District Tourism Development Officer Vinay Dhiman said the tourism industry has benefited from changing travel patterns this year.

According to him, ongoing tensions and conflicts in parts of West Asia encouraged many Indian travelers to choose domestic destinations instead of planning international vacations.

He explained that uncertainty in some overseas destinations led travelers to look for safe and attractive options within India, benefiting hill stations such as Kangra.

Dhiman noted that the trend was not limited to domestic visitors. Despite global uncertainties, foreign tourist arrivals also increased during 2026. He added that the number of international tourists could have been even higher if international travel conditions had been more favorable.

Popular attractions draw visitors

Kangra offers a wide variety of attractions that appeal to different types of travelers. Spiritual tourism, adventure tourism, sports tourism, and nature-based tourism all contribute to the district's popularity.

One of the biggest attractions remains Dharamshala and nearby McLeodganj, which attract visitors from around the world. The area is especially popular because it is the residence of the 14th Dalai Lama and serves as an important center of Tibetan culture and Buddhism.

Many international visitors travel specifically to experience the unique cultural atmosphere, monasteries, meditation centers, and scenic beauty of the region.

In recent years, Dharamshala has also gained recognition as a sports tourism destination. The Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, often regarded as one of the most picturesque cricket venues in the world, regularly hosts Indian Premier League matches and international cricket fixtures.

These events attract thousands of cricket fans and contribute significantly to local tourism.

Adventure tourism is another major draw. Bir Billing, located in Kangra district, is known as India's paragliding capital and attracts adventure enthusiasts from across the country and abroad. The destination has become internationally recognized for its world-class paragliding conditions and breathtaking mountain views.

Local tourism businesses say the surge in visitors has brought much-needed relief after years of uncertainty.

Dharamshala Hotel Association president Ashwani Bamba described the current tourism season as the strongest since the pandemic began.

He said many domestic tourists who might otherwise have traveled overseas chose destinations within India this year, leading to higher occupancy rates and increased business activity across the hospitality sector.

However, industry stakeholders have also pointed out challenges that need urgent attention.

Bamba expressed concern about road infrastructure, particularly the condition of roads connecting Dharamshala and McLeodganj. According to him, these roads have remained in poor condition for a long time, causing inconvenience for tourists and local residents.

He stressed that maintaining good infrastructure is essential if Kangra wants to sustain its tourism growth in the coming years.

Tourism experts believe that while the current surge is encouraging, long-term success will depend on improving roads, transportation, cleanliness, and visitor facilities. Investments in infrastructure, they say, will help ensure that tourists continue to choose Kangra as a preferred destination.

For now, however, the district is enjoying a remarkable revival. The sight of crowded markets, busy hotels, and lively tourist attractions reflects a tourism sector that has finally emerged from the shadow of the pandemic and is once again becoming a key driver of economic growth in the region.