Ladakh is opening up its previously forbidden places for tourists

What comes to mind when someone says Ladakh? High passes, breathtaking landscapes, pristine waters, barren freezing desert, Three idiots? From now on, Ladakh is going to be a lot more than what most knew so far. The Union Territory is opening up previously restricted areas to tourists. 

Many of these forbidden areas of Ladakh are located close to the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China. So are you ready for the adventure?

Which forbidden places in Ladakh are now open?

Siachen Glacier

• You must have heard of Siachen Glacier as the world's highest and coldest battleground. This area is highly sensitive given its proximity to both the China and Pakistan borders. 
• Authorities are now allowing visitors to travel to the tourist facility nearest to the Siachen Base Camp without any special permit. 
• Among the least explored area near Siachen Glacier is a village called Turtuk, often described as a hidden gem full of lush greenery in the otherwise barren desert of Ladakh. 

• Turtuk is only one of the four Balti villages that is under the Indian administration. It also serves as India's last outpost at Thang, a gateway to Siachen Glacier. 
• After this outpost, the Pakistan-controlled Gilgit-Baltistan region begins. So, in this village, you will be able to experience the only Balti culture and people in India. 

Chang Chenmo

• The Chang Chenmo sector is among the militarily sensitive areas in Ladakh since decades. The sector is a gateway to the southern approaches to the disputed Aksai Chin and is connected to the north of the Pangong Lake basin. 
• Parts of this area have seen skirmishes between the Indian and the Chinese army. Furthermore, the sector is connected to Lukung through a road via the Marsimik La pass. 
• Adventurers will find hot springs in this sector. This sector is also close to the patrolling points at Pangong Tso. 

Tsogtsalo

• Tsogtsalo is a campsite for the Indian Army. It is situated near the confluence of the Rimdi Chu and Chang Chenmo rivers and is close to the LAC. 

Marsimik La

• Marsimik La, which connects Chang Chenmo sector to other parts of Ladakh was also restricted for tourists in certain parts.
• The pass at 5582 metres will be open for exploration up to Tsogtsalo for biking enthusiasts.  
• The 80 km long road stretches from Phobrang to Gogra. You can begin your journey on this road in Phobrang, located in Leh district. 

Manali-Leh Highway

• The 427 km highway connects Ladakh to the rest of India and is now once again open to tourists. The highway is closed for tourists during certain periods.
• It is also a key highway for the Indian Armed Forces as it facilitates the movement of equipment and vehicles to the border areas. 
• If you planning to take this highway, you should note that there is an odd-even traffic system.  

What to keep in mind while travelling to Ladakh? 

Ladakh is not your average hill station or tourist spot. The treacherous and rough terrain comes with its own set of challenges that you should be prepared for, even more so if you are planning on a bike ride or exploring remote areas. 

Adjusting to the climate

• Ladakh has a cold desert climate throughout the year. There might be unpredictable snowfall, making road conditions bad.
• Recently, the Ladakh Police had to rescue some 100 stranded passengers from Changla Axis after roads turned icy and slippery due to intermittent snowfall. 

Pack warm for all months

• The period between April to October is a little warmer than the rest, but regardless it will be cold. Other than warm clothes and sturdy comfortable shoes, you can additionally carry a torch, GPS devices if any, cash, etc. 

Consult a doctor and pack medicines

• At the high altitude ranges of 10,000 ft to 23,000 ft, you might feel some uneasiness which can be a serious case too.
• It is advisable to carry AMS medication as prescribed by a doctor to prevent bubble formation in the lungs, a thermometer, and other requirements.
• Travelers should also note that they will have to go to Leh for any medical emergency that can most often be only accessed by road. 
• If you are flying to Ladakh you might be unable to have the time to acclimatise to the change in altitude, so be prepared for the same. 

Biking

• You can find bikes or other vehicles for rent in Leh for an affordable exploration journey of the unexplored. But you should only take up driving or riding a bike if you are experienced enough as the terrain can be challenging. 
• Safety gear such as helmets, boots, hand gloves, knee and elbow pads, etc is important. 

The previously restricted areas in Ladakh have been opened to tourists to boost tourism in the Union Territory. The areas have become more accessible with good infrastructure and security. 

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