Siachen and Galwan to become Ladakh’s next big tourist attractions

Explore Ladakh’s extremes: Siachen Glacier and Galwan Valley set to become new adventure and history tourism hotspots. (File Image: PTI)

Ladakh, long celebrated for its stark landscapes and serene deserts, is set to add two new names to its tourism map: Siachen Glacier and Galwan Valley. The region, already known for its cold desert charm, high-altitude lakes, and adventure trails, is now gearing up to offer travelers a glimpse of areas that are both geographically extreme and historically significant.

On Sunday, August 17, 2025, Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta announced that Siachen, the world’s highest battlefield, and Galwan Valley, the site of the 2020 clash between Indian and Chinese forces, would be developed as new tourism attractions in the Union Territory.

“Siachen and Galwan are being developed to promote tourism, thereby offering visitors a unique opportunity to witness the unmatched natural beauty as well as the spirit of courage and sacrifice associated with Ladakh’s frontier regions,” Gupta said at a felicitation programme organised by Bharat Vikas Parishad.

Ladakh: Beauty Beyond Compare

Gupta described Ladakh as “far more beautiful than Switzerland,” noting that the region has the potential to emerge as one of the world’s most sought-after travel destinations. He added, “There are several challenges before us, but I firmly believe that massive change will be witnessed in Ladakh in the coming years.”

The LG highlighted that his administration is committed to promoting adventure tourism, spiritual tourism, religious tourism, and winter tourism, positioning Ladakh as a complete tourism package that blends thrill, tranquillity, and faith. “I am determined to ensure that Ladakh not only showcases its breathtaking landscapes, but also its rich heritage, vibrant culture and traditions before the world,” he said.

Siachen and Galwan: The Extremes of Ladakh

Siachen Glacier, perched at around 20,000 feet in the Karakoram Range, is the highest militarised zone on the planet, where Indian and Pakistani troops face each other in close proximity. Its extreme conditions — snow-laden slopes, biting winds, and treacherous terrain — make it unlike any other tourist destination.

Galwan Valley, meanwhile, entered global attention in 2020 following the deadly clash between Indian and Chinese troops. Its rugged beauty, wide riverbeds, and dramatic mountains now form the backdrop for a tourism initiative that aims to combine history, adventure, and the spirit of Ladakh’s frontier regions.

Building a Sustainable Tourism Model

Gupta emphasised that his administration, with the support of the Central government, is working to upgrade infrastructure, improve connectivity, and promote eco-friendly tourism. “Our vision is to build a sustainable and empowered Ladakh,” he said, highlighting the importance of protecting fragile ecology while offering world-class tourism experiences.

Reflecting on Ladakh’s journey, Gupta said the region had suffered from “neglect and discrimination” for decades, but the aspiration of the local people was realised when the Central government granted UT status in August 2019 under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership.

With these developments, adventurers, history enthusiasts, and nature lovers can soon explore Siachen and Galwan not just as remote military sites but as part of a tourism experience that combines thrill, natural beauty, and cultural richness.

(With inputs from PTI)