Indian Army opens Siachen, Kargil, and Galwan Valley battlefields to tourists, boosting Jammu & Kashmir’s tourism potential

Drass Village, Kargil, Jammu & Kashmir (Image: Canva)

In a historic move to boost tourism in Jammu and Kashmir, the Indian Army announced plans to open access to some of India’s most iconic battlefields – Siachen, Kargil, and Galwan Valley. This initiative, revealed by Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Upendra Dwivedi on November 27, 2024, aims to shift the focus in the region from "terrorism to tourism," tapping into the immense potential for tourism growth in these historically significant areas.

General Dwivedi shared these insights during a lecture titled "Role and Contribution of Indian Army in Securing India's Growth Story," part of the General BC Joshi Memorial Lecture Series at Savitribai Phule Pune University. He emphasized that the Army's commitment to promoting tourism aligns with the broader goal of transforming Jammu and Kashmir into a prime tourism destination.

"The transformative potential of tourism is enormous, and we have already seen a significant rise in visitors to Jammu and Kashmir. Forty-eight regions have been earmarked for tourism development, and with a focused approach, we aim to double the number of tourists in the next five years," General Dwivedi said.

As part of this plan, the Army is also promoting adventure tourism, offering specialized training for local tour operators and upskilling the population in mountaineering and related activities. "We are upskilling local populations in mountaineering and related activities. Our training programs include treks like the Trans-Himalayan trek and the 'Soul of Steel' trek in Uttarakhand. Additionally, we are opening up access to Siachen Glacier for all citizens," he explained.

Notable treks like the Trans-Himalayan trek and the 'Soul of Steel' trek in Uttarakhand are among the Army’s initiatives to develop adventure tourism. Additionally, the Siachen Glacier, famously known as the world’s highest and coldest battlefield, will be accessible to citizens for the first time.

The Kargil and Galwan Valley battle sites, both symbols of India’s military valor, will also be made available for visitors. Kargil, the site of the 1999 India-Pakistan conflict, and the Galwan Valley, where Indian and Chinese forces clashed in 2020, will offer tourists a unique opportunity to experience the historic battlegrounds firsthand.

General Dwivedi’s announcement marks a new chapter in Jammu and Kashmir’s tourism story, one that emphasizes history, adventure, and the resilience of the region's people, further strengthening its potential as a must-visit destination for travelers from across the globe.