Leh, October 14, 2025 : Ladakh’s peak tourist season has largely fizzled out due to a combination of security incidents, natural disasters, and civil unrest, forcing stakeholders to turn their attention to the upcoming winter season. Tourism operators and hotel owners are urging the administration to step in with supportive measures.
The season took an early hit following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in Kashmir, which prompted several foreign governments to issue travel advisories discouraging visits to the region by including Ladakh under Jammu & Kashmir. The UT administration appealed to the Ministry of External Affairs to clarify Ladakh’s distinct status to key countries like the US and UK.
As the tourism sector began recovering in June and July, heavy monsoon rains, floods, and landslides disrupted access routes to Ladakh, further dampening tourist arrivals.
According to data from The Tribune, tourist inflows were:
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June: 74,783
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July: 67,205
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August: 44,838
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September: 34,053
This brought the total tourist count for 2025 (till September) to 2.86 lakh, marking a steep decline.
Foreign tourist arrivals were similarly impacted:
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April: 2,800
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May: 1,541
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July: 7,376
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August: 7,888
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September: 4,501
Cumulatively, 28,841 foreign tourists visited Ladakh until September.
The situation worsened in September when violent protests over statehood and Sixth Schedule status resulted in four deaths and the detention of innovator Sonam Wangchuk under NSA, causing curfews and restrictions and denting Ladakh’s reputation as a safe tourist destination.
Rigzin Wangmo Lachic, President of the All Ladakh Hotel & Guest House Association (ALHGHA), said the region has seen a 60% decline in tourism this year. She highlighted the financial strain on taxi drivers, hoteliers, and guest house owners, many of whom had taken loans anticipating a busy season, and appealed for increased government support and promotion for the winter season.
Despite the setbacks, the Ladakh administration is now focusing on winter tourism, which has gained popularity among adventure enthusiasts. Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta emphasized transforming Ladakh into a year-round winter tourism and adventure sports hub, focusing on sustainable development, modern infrastructure, local talent promotion, and cultural preservation.
Gupta added that promoting Ladakh as a year-round destination will create employment, empower communities, drive economic growth, and safeguard its pristine environment.
