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Whether you’re someone who follows all the latest Ladakh news or are planning to visit the UT soon, and keeping track of new developments, this is for you. On Monday, the Central Government introduced its plans to have new districts in Ladakh, expanding its administrative framework. The new districts as announced, will be Zanskar, Drass, Sham, Nubra, and Changthang. This update will increase the number of districts in Ladakh from two to seven.
For the uninitiated, the region of Ladakh used to be a part of the state of Jammu and Kashmir before 2019, but with the revoking of the state’s special status under Article 370, it got divided into 2 union territories, Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh. This Ladakh news is important from a security POV apart from the administrative as well. With rising tensions on the border, better infrastructure and efficient administration have been the need of the hour for quite some time now. While there are of course apprehensions given the very sensitive ecology of the Himalayas, it remains to be seen how this new plan will be implemented by 2028.
This Ladakh news also means that there will be more for the tourists to explore, and with local administration coming into existence in the proposed districts, local Ladakh updates, as well as better facilities will be easier to access.
Here’s what the proposed districts in Ladakh offer
Zanskar
The land of stunning views and deep river valleys, Zanskar has been made popular by adventure enthusiasts as it is the host to one of the most challenging treks in the world, the Chadar Trek. The trek takes place in the winter when the Zanskar River is frozen, and Ladakh is at its serene best. It is, however, one of the toughest times to be in the region given that winters are harsh and unforgiving but what are adventure sports without the thrill!
If you are the kind, however, who like their Ladakh trip to be a bit easier, we suggest following Ladakh news to keep a track of when the snow has melted and the routes are open. In summer, as the routes open, you can go river rafting in the Zanskar River, and even explore the monasteries around, like Phugtal and Kersha.
Drass
On this list, Drass is one of the lesser known, unless you follow Ladakh news ardently. The most famous thing about Drass is the Kargil War Memorial, which you just cannot miss if you’re headed there. But there’s more! Drass is a small town which is often called the ‘Gateway to Ladakh’ and falls on the Srinagar-Leh highway. While the majority of the tourers who drive or ride into Ladakh take the very challenging Manali-Leh route, if you have more time, getting to Ladakh via Srinagar is a road trip you’ll never forget. Manali-Leh is sure a great idea to experience the raw Himalayan views at their best, Srinagar to Leh, via Drass is the route you want to take if you’re interested in the local culture and wish to experience the region as authentically as it gets.
Sham
While there are always chances that hidden gems in Ladakh, like Sham, will get very popular and touristy, that often is part of the parcel. Sham in Ladakh, which is also locally called Lower Ladakh or Sham Valley is a great place to visit in Ladkah if you want to experience the local culture without wandering off into the remote villages. Sham offers a slightly more comfortable experience, and great culture and heritage. Whether it is visiting monasteries like Alchi or Likir, taking up the baby trek, going up the nearby Magnetic Hill, or biting into fresh juicy apricots in the neighbouring villages like Hemis Shukpachan, adventures in Sham are never-ending!
Nubra
Nubra Valley is easily one of the most famous places to visit in Ladakh, and it is easy to see why! It is the closest to Khardung La, which at 18,380 ft used to be the highest motorable road in the world for a very long time. While the title has been taken over by Umling La at 19,300 ft, the charm of Khardung La remains as it is, and the beautiful pass always makes its way to every rider’s bucket list. Nubra also offers a plethora of experiences even if you’re not a moto-enthusiast. You can witness the Hunder sand dunes given that Ladakh is one of the highest altitude deserts in the world, and get a ride on the Bactrian camels that once were a significant part of the silk route trade. Or swap them for an ATV ride that’ll blow your mind. You can also go explore the Diskit Monastery and soak in the peace and serenity. ‘
While these are the already existing tourist attractions in Nubra Valley, it also has a significant potential for eco-tourism given its flora and fauna, and with this Ladakh news of now there being an administrative centre, we can only hope that there will be better planning, and the region will experience the best of sustainable tourism.
Changthang
If however, you are into remote areas, and venturing into the lesser explored, this Ladakh news of Changthang might be bittersweet for you. Once a rather remote area, Changthang will also become a bit more mainstream but on the other side, for better administration and access to services, it makes complete sense.
Changthang places to visit include saltwater lakes like Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri which are at a short distance, and a cultural experience with one of Ladakh’s nomadic tribes called the Changpa nomads. They work with pashmina goats and are considered to be some of the best sources in the world. It is also a great space for witnessing the very elusive snow leopard.