Rakesh Kumar Verma, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Tourism,GoI discussed developing a roadmap and master plan for adventure tourism in Ladakh with Commissioner Secretary, Tourism, Rigzin Samphel on February 19.

The officials discussed destinations in Ladakh that could be offered to the tourists and unique tourist attractions in Ladakh that could be promoted at both national and international level. They also discussed activities to develop and promote Ladakh-specific adventure tourism activities as a product to tourists since the tourism sector contributes half of Ladakh’s total GDP.  

There was also deliberation on addressing the issues and challenges in promoting adventure tourism such as limited air and road connectivity in the winter; mobile network connectivity; the availability of medical aid and emergency evacuation while handling accident cases, lack of highly-skilled and trained coaches/ guides, and extreme sports.  

The officials also deliberated about promoting winter sports, heritage villages, mountaineering & trekking, water sports, high-altitude lakes, hot springs, camel safari and heli-tourism in Ladakh. 

It was apprised that Drass, Kargil, Sankoo, Panikhar, Zanskar-Padum, Shargole, Leh Main Market would be the priority.