Almora: The scenic hills of Uttarakhand are once again witnessing a strong presence of Israeli tourists. More than 120 Israeli citizens have arrived in Almora to celebrate their major religious festival, Passover (Pesah), choosing peace and tranquillity in Kasar Devi over the tensions of war back home.
For Israeli tourists in Almora, celebrating Passover in the calm surroundings of Kasar Devi offers spiritual comfort. The peaceful environment of the Himalayas allows them to connect with their traditions while escaping the stress of ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Most important festivals for Jews
Passover is one of the most important festivals for Jews. It commemorates the liberation of the Jewish people from slavery in Egypt, symbolizing freedom, unity, and faith. The festival lasts seven to eight days, during which families gather for prayers, rituals, and the traditional ‘Seder meal’. Special dishes are served, and leavened foods are avoided, with ‘matzah (unleavened bread)’ holding deep religious significance.
Why Almora and Kasar Devi?
Kasar Devi has long been a popular destination for Israeli travelers. Known for its spiritual energy and natural beauty, the area attracts visitors who often stay for months. Many of them are young Israelis who have completed mandatory military service and are traveling on six-month visas.
Tourist Ariel, who arrived in India on February 3, said he reached Kasar Devi on March 3 with a group of five companions. He explained that the peace of Almora reminds him of home, and celebrating Passover here feels meaningful during such troubled times. His friend Joseph, a frequent visitor, echoed the sentiment, saying the hills provide a sense of belonging and calm.
Security Measures
Given the ongoing war in the Middle East, local authorities are on high alert. Almora district magistrate Anshul Singh confirmed that necessary instructions have been issued to ensure tourist safety. SSP Chandrashekhar Ghodke added that additional police forces have been deployed at sensitive locations.
Hotels, guest houses, and tourist spots are being regularly checked, and CCTV monitoring has been strengthened. Authorities emphasized that the safety of foreign tourists is a top priority, especially during religious festivals when gatherings are larger.
Few days ago, a viral video of an Israeli tourist in Almora has reignited concerns over the lack of public toilets for women in the market. Despite cafés and shops, basic sanitation remains missing. Locals have long voiced this issue, but the tourist’s complaint gained traction online, exposing a persistent civic failure that continues to inconvenience women across the region.
A viral video of an Israeli tourist complaining about the absence of a public toilet for women in Almora market has once again exposed a very basic failure.
The tourist, who said she was visiting Almora for the second time, pointed out that while the market has cafés,… pic.twitter.com/lgV1inGZ91
— Kumaon Jagran (@KumaonJagran) March 29, 2026
Israeli Tourism in Uttarakhand
Israeli tourists have a long history of visiting Uttarakhand, particularly Almora, Rishikesh, and Kausani. Many are part of the so-called “Hummus Trail”, a travel route popular among young Israelis after completing military service. They are drawn to the Himalayas for trekking, yoga, meditation, and spiritual relaxation.
In places like Kasar Devi, signs in Hebrew and restaurants serving Israeli food reflect their cultural presence. Their long stays contribute significantly to the local economy, supporting homestays, cafes, and shops. While their presence is mostly positive, some instances of disruption have been reported in the past, making regulation and vigilance important.