A new boom in Ladakh

The Galwan River Valley in Ladakh, known for its rugged terrain and harsh climate, gained international attention following the deadly clash between Indian and Chinese troops in June 2020. Now, the region is set to become a prominent tourist destination, with plans to open it to domestic tourists by June 2025.
This move is part of a broader effort by the UT Administration of Ladakh’s Tourism Department, in collaboration with the Indian Army and other stakeholders, to boost tourism and economic growth in the region.
The initiative, announced by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Army Day, January 15, aims to promote both border and rural tourism. It is expected to bring economic benefits to local communities while highlighting Ladakh’s cultural heritage and natural beauty. The authorities have already started infrastructure development and reconnaissance operations to make the region accessible to tourists.
Chairman CEC, LAHDC Leh, Adv. Tashi Gyalson, told Rising Kashmir that the opening of Galwan Valley would be a significant boost for tourism in Ladakh. “It will attract adventure enthusiasts and provide livelihood opportunities for locals through homestays, handicrafts, and traditional cuisine,” Gyalson said. “The improved infrastructure and accessibility will position Ladakh as a prime destination for both domestic and international tourists.”
The initiative is also expected to enhance connectivity and foster cultural exchanges between the local communities and visitors, further boosting the region’s tourism industry. Tourism officials have confirmed that the valley is scheduled to open in June 2025, marking a milestone in showcasing Ladakh’s rich heritage and honoring the bravery of the armed forces.
The move has been welcomed by tourism stakeholders in Ladakh, who have been awaiting such a development for years. Following the 2020 Galwan clash, the valley attracted significant attention, with many eager to visit the site. Authorities have been working on the project for the past two to three years, exploring ways to establish a war memorial in the area.
The opening of Galwan Valley is expected to open new opportunities for the people of eastern Ladakh, contributing to the overall development of the region. Galwan Valley, a strategically significant area located at the border between India and China, is part of the larger Aksai Chin region, a disputed territory. The valley is named after the Galwan River, which flows through it and plays a central role in shaping the landscape.
For the local Ladakhi communities, the valley holds immense cultural significance, as they have lived in the area for generations, preserving their heritage despite the geopolitical tensions.
Ladakh’s Tourism Department has long worked to open new locations as part of its border tourism initiative, aimed at attracting both national and international tourists. In 2024, in collaboration with the Indian Army, the department opened Changila Top in Kargil district to tourists. The 13,620-feet Changila Post, locally known as Changila Post, is now a popular tourist attraction.
In addition, the Ladakh administration previously opened Hunderman, a border village in Kargil along the India-Pakistan border, as a tourist attraction. Home to the “Museum of Memories,” Hunderman showcases forgotten artifacts and war history, transforming the village into a living museum. Hunderman, once abandoned, is now a revived village that has become an important stop for tourists, especially bikers, in the summer months.
Local administration officials have expressed gratitude to the army for opening a selfie point for tourists at the location, emphasizing that such initiatives not only attract visitors but also bolster the local economy. “These efforts foster patriotism and offer a unique opportunity to witness the army’s efforts in safeguarding the nation,” said one official.
Mohd Hussain, a Kargil resident, said the improvements to the village’s infrastructure, such as better roads, health services, and educational facilities, have significantly improved life for its people. “Despite its remote location, Hunderman’s unique architecture and the tourism it attracts have changed life for the better,” he said.