Security personnel stand guard on a street amid a curfew, in Leh, Ladakh.
Credit: PTI Photo
Srinagar: Tourism, the economic backbone of Ladakh Union Territory, is facing a sharp downturn as a mix of political unrest and erratic weather has disrupted the region’s usually busy autumn season.
Barely weeks after torrential rains and sudden snowfall in August forced cancellations, the September 24 clashes in Leh, capital of Ladakh—where four people died and nearly 90 were injured—have deepened the crisis. Hoteliers, taxi operators, and travel agents say bookings have plunged, leaving the cold desert’s economy in turmoil.
Tourism in Ladakh has been on the rise in recent years, with both domestic and international tourist footfall increasing, officials said. However, since Wednesday, curfew has remained in force in violence-hit Leh, with police and paramilitary forces intensifying patrols and security checks.
“We have seen a 30 percent booking cancellation rate. Every tour operator is getting calls from one or two clients requesting trip cancellations,” said Dorjay Stumpa, President of the All Ladakh Tour Operator Association (ALTOA).
The summer tourism season in Leh typically runs until October 15. Despite continued good weather, this week’s violent events have led many tourists to alter their travel plans.
Sonam Tsering, who runs a home-stay in Leh said, “First the weather, now the violence. We are staring at one of the worst autumns in recent years. Cancellations have shot up since the clashes. Even those who had confirmed bookings are hesitating.”
For Ladakh, August and September are traditionally strong months, drawing trekkers, bikers, and cultural tourists before winter sets in. But with curfews, heightened security checks, and images of protests dominating news cycles, operators say the flow of visitors has thinned.
The timing, stakeholders stress, could not be worse. Ladakh’s tourism season is short and intense, typically running from May to October. Once harsh winter sets in, heavy snowfall closes mountain passes and the region is largely cut off for nearly six months.
“We earn in half a year to survive the other half. Losing the autumn season means families will have nothing to fall back on till next summer,” explained Rigzin Dorjay, a cab owner in Leh.
Taxi unions, who form a large slice of the local workforce, report steep losses. “Many drivers had invested in new vehicles after two good years of tourism. Now they are unable to cover even loan installments,” Dorjay said.
The unrest has also dealt a blow to small traders who rely on footfall at markets and monasteries. “In August, rain washed away business. In September, clashes kept tourists indoors. We don’t know what October will bring,” said Padma Dolma, who sells handicrafts near Thiksey Monastery.
Officials in Leh admit the sector is under strain but insist that security has been tightened to protect visitors. “The situation is under control. Tourists are safe, and flights are operating as normal,” a senior tourism officer said, urging travelers not to cancel plans.