Ladakh focusing on diverse tourism segments to become all-season destination: LG Saxena
Ladakh is working to establish itself as a year-round tourism destination by promoting a range of segments, including winter, astro, wellness, culture-based, eco, adventure and village tourism, Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena said.
Saxena said tourism development in the Union territory was not aimed merely at increasing visitor numbers but at promoting sustainable and community-led tourism that creates economic opportunities for local communities while protecting Ladakh's fragile ecology and cultural heritage.
The lieutenant governor was speaking after inaugurating Ladakh Festival 2026 at the polo ground in Leh on Saturday evening. The three-day festival celebrates the region's cultural heritage, traditional lifestyle, art, cuisine, sports and diverse tourism experiences.
The festival has evolved into an important platform for showcasing Ladakh's traditions, landscapes, hospitality and tourism potential to audiences from across India and abroad, officials said.
The event also comes as Ladakh strengthens its presence on the national and international tourism map. As of September 16, the Union territory had received 4.37 lakh tourists, exceeding the total tourist arrivals recorded during the entire year of 2025.
"The Ladakh festival is an important platform for preserving Ladakh's centuries-old traditions and presenting its rich cultural heritage on the national and international stage," Saxena said.
He said preserving Ladakh's cultural roots was increasingly important as the region moved towards development and modernisation.
Saxena said such events also provide opportunities for local artisans, entrepreneurs, artists, performers and other tourism stakeholders.
"Ladakh is working towards becoming a true all-season tourism destination, with focus on winter tourism, astro tourism, wellness tourism, culture-based tourism, eco-tourism, adventure tourism and village tourism," he said.
He urged visitors to experience Ladakh responsibly, interact with local communities, understand their traditions, support local artisans and entrepreneurs and contribute to protecting the region's fragile environment.
Traditional sports such as archery and horse polo, local cuisine, handicraft and handloom exhibitions and live demonstrations, astronomy and stargazing activities, river rafting, short films and a sound-and-light show are among the attractions at the festival, an official spokesman said.
The opening day featured performances by the Stringmo Sisters and the Shillong Chamber Choir, besides folk and cultural performances showcasing Ladakh's artistic traditions.
Earlier, a cultural parade featuring monastic groups, folk troupes, traditional musicians, horse and camel riders, and representatives from villages and districts travelled from Karzoo and culminated at the polo ground.
