AbstractLateral variation in seismic attenuation of the Jammu and Kashmir Himalaya has been studied from local‐earthquake coda waves using 588 single‐trace measurements and back‐projection tomography of coda quality factor (Qc(f)). Single‐trace measurements are performed for a range of lapse time and coda‐window length, and a final choice of 2ts and 90 s, respectively, have been made based on an unbiased distribution of Q0 as a function of epicentral distance. These choices ensure coda start time beyond transient arrivals and satisfies the assumption of coda‐wave generation through multiple forward‐scattering. From single‐traces we obtain Qc(f) = 231 ± 21f0.93±0.05, with a negative correlation between Q0 and η. Qc(f) tomography are presented as 2D‐anomaly maps computed from Qmean at every f, and as absolute Q0 and η maps. These reveal strong frequency‐dependent lateral variations in attenuation. At f = 3–5 Hz, the central Shiwalik Himalaya, Jammu‐Kishtwar Higher Himalaya, Zanskar Ranges, and eastern Kashmir Valley have ∼10% positive Qc anomaly; and high Q0 (270–300) and low η (0.8–0.85), indicating low absorption of seismic energy. The Kishtwar Window region, the reentrant of the Main Boundary and Main Central thrusts, and the western Kashmir Valley have ∼10% negative Qc anomaly, low‐to‐intermediate Q0 (210–250) and high η (0.9–1.0), revealing strong attenuation at structural heterogeneities. At f = 8–14 Hz, the lateral variation in Qc anomaly between the western Kashmir Himalaya (positive) and eastern Jammu‐Kishtwar Himalaya (negative), possibly arises from the crustal thickness variations and steep‐to‐shallow NE dipping Moho from east‐to‐west.