Ladakh is home to a variety of hot springs, celebrated for their natural beauty and medicinal properties. Among them, the Chumathang Hot Springs, located alongside the Indus River, stand out as one of the region's most promising and significant attractions. Renowned for their therapeutic benefits, these hot springs have the potential to become a major wellness destination.

However, over the years, the area surrounding the Chumathang Hot Springs has fallen into disrepair, plagued by encroachments, poor hygiene, and inadequate infrastructure.

Once surrounded by open and pristine landscapes, the springs are now encroached upon by unplanned infrastructure. An elderly resident of Chumathang, Lundup Gyatso shared his concerns about the overdevelopment of the area. "Earlier, the hot spring area was open and free from buildings, but now it’s cluttered with infrastructure everywhere," he said.

“Hygiene is another persistent issue. Being close to the road, the springs attract passersby who often misuse the area, washing vehicles and leaving trash behind. Despite the efforts of the local women's association, which organizes weekly cleanliness drives, maintaining the site has become an uphill battle”, he added.

“We’ve been demanding proper infrastructure to attract more tourists and make the site sustainable,” said a local representative.

Recognizing the site's untapped potential, the Union Territory administration has unveiled an ambitious plan to transform Chumathang into a world-class wellness and tourist destination. With an estimated budget of ₹100 crore, the development will span 95 kanals of land and include state-of-the-art facilities. Key features of the proposed development include a hydrotherapy center, a Sowa Rigpa center (focusing on traditional Tibetan medicine), a local Amchi station, meditation and yoga pavilions, and spaces for handicrafts, herbal products and culinary experiences, to support local livelihoods and cultural preservation, recreational spaces such as an open-air theater and organic gardens.

Advisor to the Lieutenant Governor, Dr. Pawan Kotwal, highlighted the rare natural phenomenon that makes Chumathang special: the convergence of boiling hot spring water and the cold flow of the Indus River, side by side. "This is an incredibly unique site, not just in Ladakh but across the world. It has immense potential for bath tourism and could attract wellness seekers from all over," said Dr. Kotwal.

Dr. Kotwal highlighted the medicinal properties of the hot springs, which have long been used to treat skin conditions and other ailments. The new plans aim to capitalize on this potential by introducing modern hydrotherapy facilities in conjunction with traditional healing methods like Sowa Rigpa. "The focus is to position Chumathang as a premier wellness destination while preserving its cultural and natural heritage," he added.

Despite the grand vision, challenges remain. Out of the 95 kanals designated for development, 60 kanals are currently under unauthorized occupation. Dr. Kotwal pointed out that these encroachments were enabled by previous revenue department officials.

"The fault lies with those who encouraged this situation, but we are committed to resolving it without imposing decisions against the will of the people," he assured.

However, the administration is keen to ensure that the development plan is implemented with the full cooperation of the local community. "We will not proceed without the will and support of the people,"

Addressing concerns about the impact on local livelihoods, Dr. Kotwal emphasized that small business in the hot spring area, such as shops and restaurants, would not be displaced. "A proper complex will be built to accommodate these businesses, ensuring that the community continues to benefit from the site’s development," he said.

Kunzes Dolma, a geothermal energy consultant, emphasized the need for sustainable planning in the developmental initiatives for Chumathang. She pointed out that the hot spring eruptions in the area are not confined to a single location but emerges from multiple spots. "Therefore, constructing more cemented structures such as pavements and buildings should be avoided," she said. Dolma stressed that the development or beautification projects must be executed carefully, ensuring that the natural space remains undisturbed.

Chumathang Hot Springs are more than just a tourist attraction—they are a testament to the healing power of nature and the rich cultural heritage of Ladakh. With careful planning and the involvement of the local community, this natural treasure could emerge as a beacon of wellness tourism, drawing visitors from near and far.

For now, the hot springs continue to bubble quietly along the Indus, carrying with them the hope of renewal. With the right blend of vision, effort, and care, Chumathang’s best days may yet lie ahead—a future where its therapeutic waters heal not just bodies, but the community and environment that surround them.