Jammu: Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta on Sunday announced plans to develop Siachen, the world’s highest battlefield, and the Galwan Valley as new tourism attractions in the Union Territory.
Calling Ladakh “far more beautiful than Switzerland,” Gupta said the region has the potential to become a top global tourism destination. “Siachen and Galwan are being developed to promote tourism, offering visitors a unique chance to experience both the region’s unmatched natural beauty and the spirit of courage and sacrifice associated with its frontier areas,” he said at a felicitation event organized by Bharat Vikas Parishad.
Gupta pledged to promote diverse forms of tourism—including adventure, spiritual, and religious—positioning Ladakh as a comprehensive destination blending thrill, tranquility, and faith. He also highlighted the new responsibility entrusted to him by the Central government as head of the UT.
“There are challenges ahead, but I am confident Ladakh will witness transformative change in the coming years,” he said. “We aim not only to showcase Ladakh’s breathtaking landscapes but also its rich heritage, vibrant culture, and traditions to the world.”
Recalling decades of “neglect and discrimination,” Gupta noted that the Central government, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, fulfilled the long-standing aspiration of Ladakh’s people by granting it Union Territory status in August 2019.
“The Administration, with active support from the Central government, is working to upgrade infrastructure, improve connectivity, and promote eco-friendly tourism, allowing visitors from around the globe to experience Ladakh’s unparalleled charm,” he added.
He emphasised that the administration is committed to inclusive growth, enhanced infrastructure, and better services while protecting Ladakh’s cultural heritage and fragile ecology. “Our vision is to build a sustainable and empowered Ladakh,” the LG concluded.
