Srinagar, November 09, 2025 – Actor and content creator Garima Goel, known for her engaging storytelling on YouTube and Instagram under Garimasgoodlife, recently visited Kashmir to participate in the Kashmir Marathon—a landmark event signaling the Valley’s recovery from the tragic Pahalgam terror attack earlier this year. Her journey to the idyllic meadows of Pahalgam not only captured the event’s spirit but also delved into heartfelt interactions with locals and tourists, underscoring the profound impact on the region’s tourism economy while amplifying voices that affirm Kashmir as a safe, welcoming haven.
Marathon Amid Mountains: A Symbol of Revival
The second edition of the Kashmir Marathon, organized by the J&K Tourism Department and J&K Sports Council, drew over 1,500 runners from 27 Indian states and 11 countries, racing 21 km and 42 km routes along the stunning Dal Lake and Zabarwan Range. With a ₹25 lakh prize pool, the event—held just months after the April 22 attack that claimed 26 lives—served as a powerful testament to resilience, drawing Bollywood star Suniel Shetty and global athletes who praised the “magical” terrain. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha hailed it as a showcase of the Valley’s discipline, strength, and economic momentum, emphasizing how such initiatives are knitting together peace and prosperity. Goel’s participation added a vibrant layer, blending her on-screen charisma with authentic advocacy. “Running through Kashmir’s embrace felt like hope in motion,” she shared in a recent post, highlighting how the marathon has rekindled global interest in adventure tourism.
Pahalgam’s Shadows and Stories of Strength
The 2025 Pahalgam attack in Baisaran Valley—a meadow dubbed the “Switzerland of India”—shattered the budding tourist season, leading to 90% cancellations, shuttered resorts, and an economic ripple effect that idled thousands in hospitality and transport. From 5,000 daily visitors pre-attack to ghost towns in May, the blow was severe, with hoteliers slashing tariffs by 65% in desperate bids for revival. Yet, by July, numbers climbed back to 5,000+ per day across hotspots like Gulmarg and Sonamarg, fueled by government campaigns and ministerial visits. In Pahalgam, Goel engaged deeply with shikara operators, pony riders, and shopkeepers whose livelihoods hung in the balance. “The attack stole lives and dreams, but not our spirit,” recounted local guide Nazakat Ahmad Shah, hailed as a hero for shielding Chhattisgarh tourists during the gunfire. Goel’s content—featuring unscripted chats—reveals a community channeling grief into grit, with film crews now returning for shoots, signaling normalcy’s quiet roar.
Tourists’ Testimonials: “Safe, Serene, and Soul-Stirring”
Goel’s lens captured raw testimonials that counter the fear narrative. A Delhi family, trekking post-marathon, beamed: “Security is seamless—drones, patrols, and smiles everywhere. Kashmir feels like home, not headlines.” International runners echoed this: “From terror’s shadow to trails of triumph—Pahalgam’s hospitality heals.” One European athlete noted the beefed-up measures—including AI surveillance and community policing—that have slashed incidents, with snowfall in Gulmarg now drawing crowds for gondola rides unmarred by worry. These voices align with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s push, who lamented the year’s setbacks—from the attack to floods—but spotlighted recovery drives in Singapore and Indian metros to reclaim Southeast Asia’s tourist pie. Goel’s footage of locals offering Kahwa amid apple orchards paints a picture of unyielding warmth, proving tourism’s ₹75,000 crore pre-attack engine is revving anew.
A Call to Courage, Hospitality, and Hope
Garima Goel’s visit transcends a mere vlog—it’s a bridge from Bollywood glamour to grassroots grit, reminding the world that Kashmir’s narrative is one of rebirth. As she wrapped her marathon mile, Goel urged: “Come witness the real Kashmir: where every valley whispers welcome, and every step defies despair.”In a region where tourism employs one in five and fuels cultural revival, her story amplifies the unsung: resilient hosts, fortified frontiers, and a horizon hazy with promise. Thank you, Garima Goel, for visiting, listening, and sharing the unfiltered saga of courage, hospitality, and hope from Pahalgam—proving that in Kashmir, the run toward tomorrow never falters.
