Ladakh to make all forbidden zones accessible to tourists

In a bid to boost tourism in the region, authorities have announced plans to make all the forbidden zones in Ladakh accessible to tourists. So, if you are someone who has been wanting to explore Marsimik La, Tsogtsalo and Chang Chenmo regions, among others, you can do so now!

Soon, tourists would be able to bike towards the strategic and forbidden Chang Chenmo sector, which is in proximity to patrolling points of Pangong Lake in Ladakh. As per sources, tourists will be allowed to explore 18314 ft high Marsimik La (pass) up to Tsogtsalo. These places are set close to the LAC (line of actual control) with China.
In phase two, travellers in Ladakh can go on exploring the hot springs and a memorial built in the honour of 10 CRPF jawans. These soldiers were killed on October 21, 1959, by the Chinese.

The India Army HQ in response to queries from TOI said, “Indian Army endorsed the opening of a number of treks and routes including Marsimik La, in addition to other places such as Hot Spring and Tsogt Salo.”
Officials said the administration was ready with plans for selfie points and medical centres in January. A senior official said “Border Roads Organsiation has been roped in for construction with district funding. Police are also ready to set up check posts”.

The Ladakh administration is now trying to open tourism for border area development. For a long time now, the region near the disputed parts of LAC remained restricted for visitors.