Ladakh tourism suffers as Leh unrest leaves tourists stranded, bookings canceled, and locals worried about long-term economic impact in the region.
Ladakh’s tourism industry has suffered a major setback following recent unrest in Leh. The situation became worse after the arrest of activist Sonam Wangchuk. This is another blow for the union territory, which had already faced cancellations after the Pahalgam attack in April.
Tourism officials say that many visitors have cancelled their trips because of ongoing disturbances. The indefinite curfew imposed in Leh town on September 24 has left many tourists stranded in the region.
On September 24, clashes erupted during a shutdown called by a part of the Leh Apex Body. The group has been demanding statehood for Ladakh and the extension of the Sixth Schedule. The violence left at least four people dead and over 150 injured.
Along with the curfew, internet and mobile services remain suspended. This has caused further problems for tourism and local businesses.
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“The cancellation of bookings by our guests has been continuing on an almost daily basis for the last week. There is a shortage of merchandise due to the closure of the town since last Wednesday,” said Naseeb Singh, a hotel manager.
Naseeb Singh, who has worked in Leh for nearly ten years, said, “This is the first time I am witnessing such a situation in the town, which is otherwise a peaceful region.”
Rigzin Dorjey, a local transporter, said that tourism had already been hit after the Pahalgam attack on April 22. The attack claimed 26 lives and led to a military standoff between India and Pakistan.
“The Pahalgam incident virtually paralysed the tourism sector in Ladakh. We started receiving guests only a month after Operation Sindoor. But Wednesday's incident has once again hit us hard,” he said.
A local hotelier, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, “Each day of uncertainty means lost income for thousands of families who depend on tourism.”
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Tourists have shared their frustration over the closures and lack of basic services. Sheena, a tourist from Taiwan, said, “Upon my arrival here, to my shock, I found that everything was closed. I was not even able to exchange my currency and buy food. I was planning some sightseeing in Pangong lake but I failed to get the permit.”
Another tourist from Delhi said, “We could not go anywhere due to restrictions and hopefully, everything will be fine soon.”
“We came to see Ladakh's mountains and monasteries, but now we are just stuck in our rooms. Everyone here is simply wishing that peace returns soon,” said another tourist in Leh.
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