Tourism

Ladakh having unparalleled geo-climatic, topographical and socio cultural facets, sets out to make it a destination unlike any other place in the world. Being a distinctive wonderland conspicuously marking a peculiar trace to the diversity of the Himalayan arc and persisting to be an area of attraction for people all around the world. Ladakh formally opened for tourism in 1974 with only 527 tourists visiting the region, thenceforth it has witnessed a manifold increase in the number of tourists visiting each year and is emerging as one of the most popular destinations for not only domestic tourists but also foreign tourists.
Tourism has become a core sector of Ladakh’s economic growth and development having influential bearings on socio-economic aspects of the region in a diverse manner as a large number of people here are engaged in tourism related activities like transport, hospitality, cottage industry and many more. The Tourism Industry accounts for more than 60% of the total revenue generated in Ladakh. More than half of the population of Ladakh is economically dependent, directly or indirectly, on this industry. There are about 317 Hotels, 691 Guest Houses, 1055 Homestays and 105 Camps in Leh district.
Tourism has emerged as one the primal sectors that are playing an eminent role in generating revenue jobs and overall growth of the region, it renders wider possibilities for establishing finer infrastructure, adequate employment opportunities, direct income from tourists and the creation of varied tourism-allied services. With UT status, Ladakh as an independent political entity is uncovering numerous ways to set up a foundation of sustainable development. Tourism, as a major contributor to socioeconomic development, has strong bearings in charting the course towards the overall sustainable development of Ladakh.