Himachal: As war clouds gather, Dharamkot’s ‘Mini Israel’ faces uncertain future

Hoteliers in Dharamsala are bracing for uncertain months ahead as the US-Israel war with Iran threatens to disrupt international travel and deliver another setback to the hill town’s tourism-driven economy.

In Dharamkot — often referred to as “Mini Israel” because of its significant Israeli footfall — concern is visibly mounting. The village’s cafés, homestays and guesthouses depend heavily on long-stay foreign backpackers, particularly from Israel, Europe and the United States. With flights cancelled, routes disrupted and travellers stranded across affected regions, stakeholders fear a prolonged slump.

Prem Sagar, a tour organiser who also runs a homestay in Dharamkot, said the industry had weathered similar crises before, each leaving lasting scars. “This is not the first time we are facing such disruption. Previous conflicts and global disturbances hit us badly. Travellers from the Middle East and parts of Europe had only just begun to recover economically and are now extremely cautious. When people see images of passengers stranded at airports and governments struggling to ensure safety, they postpone leisure travel,” he said.

“War is always bad for humanity. The tourism sector is only a small part of the global impact it creates,” he added.

Tour operators also anticipate a decline in visitors from the US, Europe and parts of Asia. Dharamsala, home to the Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama, regularly attracts Buddhist followers from across the globe seeking teachings and audiences. With flight uncertainties and heightened security concerns, many are likely to defer their visits.

Maya, an Israeli tourist currently staying in Dharamkot, expressed deep concern for her family back home. “My friends in Israel say there are frequent bomb alerts and people have to rush to shelters almost every hour. There is constant fear. My father lives here in Dharamkot, but my mother is in Israel, so I am very worried. Many Israelis here want to return, but flights are limited or cancelled. The conflict is clearly affecting local businesses that depend on Israeli visitors,” she said.

The hospitality sector in Dharamsala is still recovering from last year’s devastating monsoon, which damaged infrastructure and severely disrupted tourist movement across Himachal. Roads leading to Dharamsala and nearby areas remain in poor condition, compounding the industry’s concerns.

Ashwani Bamba, president of the Dharamsala Hotel and Restaurant Association and chairman of the Federation of Himachal Hotel Associations, described the situation as troubling. International tourism, he noted, functions on long-term planning cycles, and any global instability creates a cascading effect. “Confirmed arrivals are continuing for now, but bookings for the coming months are expected to decline sharply,” he said.

Last year, more than 30,000 foreign tourists visited Dharamsala — the highest number recorded since the Covid-19 pandemic.