“Our goal is to present Ladakh as a complete tourism package- where thrill, serenity, and faith come together” – Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta
In a significant push to promote Ladakh’s tourism sector, Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta on Sunday announced plans to develop Siachen—the world’s highest battlefield—and Galwan Valley as new tourist destinations. The initiative seeks to offer travelers not only the stunning natural beauty of these frontier regions but also a glimpse into the courage and sacrifice that define them. Sharing upcoming plans, he revealed that both Siachen and Galwan Valley are being developed as major tourist hubs.
Addressing a felicitation programme organised by Bharat Vikas Parishad in Jammu, the Lt Governor described Ladakh as “far more beautiful than Switzerland” and emphasized its immense potential to become one of the world’s best travel destinations.
The Lieutenant Governor further highlighted that Ladakh is being positioned as a holistic tourism destination, with a strong focus on adventure, spiritual, religious, and winter tourism. “Our goal is to present Ladakh as a complete tourism package—where thrill, serenity, and faith come together,” he said.
Acknowledging the challenges ahead, Shri Gupta assured that transformative changes will unfold in the coming years. “We are committed to ensuring that Ladakh stands out not just for its majestic landscapes but also for its vibrant culture, heritage, and traditions,” he added.
In the light of promoting Eco Friendly Tourism he has planned to transform the Siachen and Galwan region into sustainable tourist spots, highlighting the uniqueness and potential to attract visitors across the globe.
He underlined the administration’s focus on sustainable growth, pointing out that with strong support from the Central Government, efforts are underway to improve connectivity, upgrade infrastructure, and promote eco-friendly travel. “Our vision is to create a sustainable and empowered Ladakh, where development goes hand in hand with preserving cultural legacy and fragile ecology,” the Lt Governor affirmed.
Places to Visit in & Around Ladakh
- Monasteries & Palaces – Thiksey, Hemis, Shey Palace, Alchi, Lamayuru, Diskit Monastery, Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa.
- Lakes – Pangong Lake, Tso Moriri Lake, Tso Kar Lake.
- Valleys & Scenic Spots – Nubra Valley (Hunder sand dunes, Bactrian camels), Zanskar Valley, Magnetic Hill, Kargil.
- Spiritual & Heritage Sites – Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, Hall of Fame, cultural villages, war memorials.
- Turtuk Village – A charming Balti village near the Indo-Pak border, known for apricot orchards, unique culture, and breathtaking scenery.
- World’s Highest Observatory – Located in Hanle, India’s Indian Astronomical Observatory is renowned for its pristine dark skies and exceptional stargazing experiences
Activities to Do in Ladakh
- Camel Safari in Nubra Valley – Ride the rare double-humped Bactrian camels.
- Camping by Pangong Lake – Experience stargazing at one of the world’s most beautiful lakes.
- Biking at Khardung La Pass – Test your endurance at one of the world’s highest motorable roads.
- Attend Festivals – Witness colorful Ladakhi festivals like Hemis Festival with mask dances.
- ATV Ride in Nubra Valley – Enjoy an adrenaline-pumping All-Terrain Vehicle ride across the Hunder sand dunes for a thrilling desert adventure.
- Shopping in Leh Market – Buy handicrafts, pashmina shawls, prayer wheels, apricots, and Tibetan jewelry as souvenirs.
- Try Local Cuisine – Relish Ladakhi specialties like thukpa, momos, butter tea, and skyu (a traditional pasta dish).
FAQs
Which is the best time to visit Ladakh?
The best time to visit Ladakh is between June to September, during these months the weather remains pleasant and ideal for sightseeing and exploration. From the month of April Ladakh starts to open and you might get snowfall at some places. During winter months from November to March, Ladakh receives heavy snowfall and the roads get closed.
Do I need a permit for Ladakh?
Yes, if you’re an Indian citizen, you don’t need a permit to visit Leh town or most areas in Ladakh. However, an Inner Line Permit (ILP) is required for restricted zones like Nubra Valley, Pangong Lake, Tso Moriri, and Hanle. Foreign nationals need a Protected Area Permit (PAP). Permits are easily available online or in Leh.
Which month is best to visit Pangong Lake?
May to September is the best time to visit Pangong lake as the lake does not freeze and the temperature remains bearable. It offers the best lake views with clear skies and is ideal for outdoor activities like camping.
Which lake is in 3 Idiots?
The lake that got featured in 3 Idiots is Pangong Lake. It is the highest salt water lake located in India and China. It is known for its changing color. The look changes color from deep blue to Turquoise.
What is the distance between Siachen and Ladakh?
The Siachen Glacier lies in the eastern Karakoram range, close to Ladakh. The distance from Leh (Ladakh’s main town) to the Siachen Base Camp near Nubra Valley is about 200–250 km, depending on the route.
