Centre approves new tourist and trekking routes in Ladakh

With an aim to give a comprehensive boost to the tourism sector, the central government has approved the proposal of opening more tourists/trekking routes in the Ladakh region.

“Buoyed by the success of many tourism initiatives under Prime Minister’s Development Package-2015, the Government of J&K has taken yet another leap by proposing to open up more tourists/trekking routes in the region of Ladakh with the aim of recapturing the glory, rich culture and beauty of the region,” the government statement said.

“With the objective of giving fillip to the tourism sector and enhancing the economic activity in the ‘Land of High Passes’ (Ladakh region) of J&K, the Ministry of Home Affairs has approved the proposal of State Government of J&K to open up more tourists/trekking routes in the region,” the statement added.

The proposed New Tourist Routes:

• Merak – Lema Bend
• Chushul – Kartsangla – Mahe
• Durbuk – shahikul – Tharuk – Sato Kargyam – Parma – Erath – Chusul and Loma – Hanley
• Korzok – Nurbo – Sumdo – Parangla – Kazaand
• Agyam – Shayok – Durbuk

The proposed New Trekking Routes:

• Phyang – Dokla – HunderDok – Hunder
• Basgo – Ney – HunderDok – Hunder
• Temisgam – Largyap – Panchathang – Skuru
• Saspol – Saspochey – Rakurala – Skuru

The approval has been given to ensure smooth movement of the tourists within the Leh District, the validity of permit system for tourist visiting Ladakh region has been increased to 15 days from the previous limit of 7 days.

However, to ensure safety and security, the tourists/trekkers shall not be allowed to nights on all trekking routes and also on the tourist routes.

Importantly, for effective management of the new routes, State Government of J&K has been advised to constitute a Coordinate Committee at the District level chaired by Deputy Commissioner, Leh, with the representatives of Army, JK Police, ITBP and other security agencies. The Committee will meet once in three months to ensure smooth management of the existing as well as new routes.

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