Kashmir route outpaces Manali as Ladakh tourism surges

Ladakh's Lieutenant Governor, Vinai Kumar Saxena, conducted a review of landslide mitigation preparedness along critical highways in the region and ordered a comprehensive safety audit following recent concerns over weather-related risks. The assessment comes amid rising tourist activity, which has surged due to improved infrastructure and promotional efforts. Officials emphasized the need for proactive measures to ensure visitor safety and maintain the region's status as a premier tourist destination. Tourist arrivals in Ladakh have reached 330,332 from January to July, surpassing 98.35% of the 335,872 visitors recorded in the same period last year. This increase was largely driven by air travel, which accounted for 47.64% of all arrivals. Road access via the Kashmir route proved more popular than the Manali route, with 35.27% of tourists entering through Kashmir compared to 17.09% using the Manali entry point. The surge in visitors was especially pronounced in June and July, with over 2.12 lakh tourists visiting during these months, nearly 65% of the total arrivals so far this year. The rise in tourism aligns with substantial improvements in Ladakh's connectivity infrastructure since its establishment as a Union Territory. The total road network has expanded from 1,799 kilometers in 2019 to over 4,200 kilometers in 2026. The number of bridges has also grown significantly, increasing from 19 to 72. Seasonal disruptions on key routes have decreased dramatically. For instance, Zoji La, the primary gateway from Kashmir, which previously remained closed for approximately 127 days annually, is now closed for just 16 days. Similarly, the Kargil-Zanskar Road, once closed for 154 days a year, now stays closed for only 11 days, enhancing year-round accessibility for travelers. The government has also witnessed a notable increase in homestays, which rose from 128 in 2019 to 2,275 in 2026. These developments have created new economic opportunities for local communities. A spokesperson noted that the surge in tourist numbers has been bolstered by a series of cultural, spiritual, and experiential events organized throughout the region. Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena highlighted that the consistent investment in infrastructure and the Prime Minister's campaign promoting domestic tourism have played a crucial role in attracting visitors. Saxena expressed optimism about the current trend, noting that Ladakh has exceeded one lakh tourist arrivals for two consecutive months and has already surpassed 98% of the projected 2025 footfall by the end of July. The success underscores the effectiveness of ongoing initiatives aimed at boosting tourism and ensuring sustainable development in the area. As the season progresses, officials remain focused on maintaining high standards of safety and service to support the continued growth of the region's tourism industry.