Leh, Ladakh – June 2025: Tourism in Ladakh is facing a sharp decline following the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu & Kashmir. Although Ladakh remains peaceful and is a separate Union Territory, the confusion among tourists—especially those traveling via Kashmir—has led to mass cancellations of over 90% of road-based bookings from Delhi through Srinagar.
According to industry experts and tour operators, the mistaken perception that Ladakh is still part of Jammu & Kashmir has triggered panic, especially after international travel advisories from the United States and the United Kingdom, which clubbed Ladakh under J&K in their “Do Not Travel” notices.
🚫 Mass Cancellations After Pahalgam Incident
Speaking to local media, Tsewang Namgyal, General Secretary of the All Ladakh Tour Operators Association, confirmed that the Pahalgam terror incident has significantly impacted domestic tourism.
“Ladakh has remained completely peaceful for decades. But many tourists, especially those traveling through Srinagar, are confused. Since 2019, Ladakh is a separate Union Territory. Yet, due to this confusion, we’ve seen mass cancellations,” he stated.
He also reassured travelers that Ladakh remains one of India’s safest tourist destinations, known for its scenic beauty, rich culture, and adventure offerings.
🛫 Air Travelers Unaffected; Domestic Decline, Foreign Uptick
While air traffic to Ladakh continues largely unaffected, senior tour operator Tsetan Angchuk mentioned that 90% of tourists traveling via Kashmir have canceled, particularly group series bookings.
He added:
“Tourists flying directly to Leh remain stable, with only 10–15% cancellations. But early-season numbers for domestic tourists are down 15% compared to last year. However, foreign tourist arrivals have surprisingly increased by 10%, which is encouraging for inbound operators.”
📈 Road Updates and New Routes
To ease access, Shinkula Pass from Manali to Ladakh is already open, with Baralacha and Tanglang La expected to be operational by mid-May. These routes will offer alternatives for travelers choosing to avoid Srinagar.
However, ongoing runway bay construction at Leh Airport, high airfares, and delayed road access remain challenges.
🛑 Impact of Foreign Travel Advisories
Following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, both the U.S. and U.K. embassies issued advisories asking their citizens to avoid Jammu & Kashmir. Unfortunately, these warnings also included Ladakh, leading to global confusion.
The Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Brigadier (Dr) BD Mishra (Retd), expressed concern:
“Tourism is Ladakh’s economic backbone. We request global embassies to update their websites to reflect Ladakh’s correct status as a separate Union Territory. Misinformation is hurting our local livelihoods.”
🗣️ BJP Leaders Seek Centre’s Help for Global Correction
On April 26, a BJP delegation led by LAHDC Leh CEC Tashi Gyalson met with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, requesting immediate diplomatic action to correct Ladakh’s status on foreign embassy websites.
BJP Ladakh Prabhari Tarun Chugh and other leaders urged that Indian embassies in the U.S., U.K., and Canada update their online resources to prevent further tourist confusion.
📊 Looking Ahead: Hope Amidst Uncertainty
Mohd Anees, a senior tour operator from Leh, noted:
“April’s tourism has taken a big hit. With Srinagar road closed and advisories active, the numbers are down. But if the peace continues, we expect a steady rise in foreign tourist arrivals by July-August.”
🏔️ Why Ladakh Remains a Safe & Stunning Destination
Despite current challenges, Ladakh continues to attract:
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Adventure seekers (trekking, biking, rafting)
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Spiritual travelers (Buddhist monasteries, cultural circuits)
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Nature lovers (Pangong Lake, Nubra Valley, Zanskar)
Tourism stakeholders are hopeful that with awareness campaigns and improved diplomatic messaging, Ladakh will bounce back stronger in 2025.