Leh, July 09: Pangong Lake, one of the most enchanting tourist destinations in the Ladakh region, is experiencing a decline in visitor numbers due to the deteriorating road conditions along the Darbuk-Pangong stretch. The removal of tar from the 36-kilometer road has transformed it into a dusty and bumpy ride, leaving tourists dissatisfied and reconsidering their travel plans.
A group of bikers from Kerala, who set out to explore the breathtaking lake, expressed their disappointment with the decision to remove the tar from the entire stretch at once. They suggested that working on smaller sections of 4-5 kilometers at a time would have been more manageable, reducing inconvenience for tourists.
Exhausted and disheartened from the rough journey, the bikers resorted to booking a load carrier to transport their bikes back to Leh, indicating their unwillingness to endure the unfavorable road conditions again. Additionally, they vowed not to recommend Pangong Lake to their friends and colleagues, potentially impacting the region’s tourism industry.
Local business owners, including restaurant and tent operators, shared the concerns raised by the bikers. They expressed their worry over the declining number of tourists visiting the lake this year, attributing it to the ongoing road work. A tent owner at Pangong Lake lamented that the negative word-of-mouth combined with the poor state of the road has dealt a severe blow to their businesses.
Criticizing the lack of a strategic plan for road maintenance and improvement, he emphasized that the situation has unintended consequences, negatively impacting the economy and tarnishing the lake’s reputation as a must-visit destination. He called for the restoration of a smooth and well-maintained road, stating that it would not only attract more visitors to Pangong Lake but also provide a significant boost to the local economy.
In response to the concerns raised, Deputy Commissioner Leh, Shrikant Suse, provided reassurance that the road from Darbuk to Tangtse to Lukung is in the advanced stage of completion. It is expected to be finished by mid-September 2023, with plans to upgrade it from a single lane to a double lane, making travel faster and more convenient. Additionally, the road from Karu to Darbuk is also undergoing improvements, including the construction of a double lane and the installation of interlocking concrete blocks on Changla. These developments aim to reduce travel time from Leh to Pangong Lake to approximately 6-7 hours. The proposals also include the development of passenger amenities.
Funded by the UT administration of Ladakh, these upcoming improvements in road infrastructure are expected to revolutionize tourism to Pangong Lake and bring a renewed sense of vibrancy to the region’s economy.
