Ladakh, the newly created Union Territory, is looking for a spike in the tourist arrivals with more support from the centre and the initiatives to promote tourism there.
Recently, the government has launched the supply of special winter-grade diesel for high altitude Ladakh, which faces sub-zero temperatures during the winter months. Motorists in high-altitude areas like Ladakh, Kargil, Kaza and Keylong face the problem of freezing of diesel in their vehicles when winter temperatures drop to as low as minus 30 degree celsius.
Besides, the government also has announced several steps to promote this `unexplored paradise’ which can offer varied products from mountain passes to monasteries, from lucid lakes to valleys, from adventure to snow-clad mountains. Initiatives are underway to support capacity building, awareness, bed and breakfast scheme to tide away from the shortage of hotels and promoting adventure sports.
Government will set up fully equipped facilitation cum training centre for adventure tourism in Ladakh and also planning a complete route for Leh Ladakh for tourism facilities under PPP model.
Under UDAN 4.0, the Union Aviation Ministry has put on offer bids for two underserved airports at Kargil and Thoise in Ladakh region with a view to improve the connectivity.
On Oct. 31, India split the disputed former state of Jammu and Kashmir in half, with Ladakh becoming one of two new union territories.
A total of 327,366 tourists, including 49,477 foreigners, visited Leh and its district in 2018, which was 50,000 more than in the previous year, according to official figures. The number is expected to go up considerably with the new regime and facilities.
