Ladakh’s economy relies heavily on tourism, with more than 60 percent of its revenue coming from the sector, according to official figures. In Leh district alone, there are over 300 hotels, nearly 700 guest houses, and more than 1,000 homestays that cater to domestic and international travelers. Locals estimate that half the population depends directly or indirectly on tourism for their livelihood.
“The cancellation of advance bookings has been happening daily. Many of our guests have backed out due to uncertainty. With markets shut for nearly a week, we are also facing shortages of essentials,” said Naseeb Singh, a hotel manager in Leh.
Unrest After Statehood Protest
The trouble began after a constituent of the Leh Apex Body called for a shutdown demanding statehood and Sixth Schedule status for Ladakh. Clashes during the protest left four people dead and more than 150 injured. Authorities imposed an indefinite curfew, allowing only limited relaxation for a few hours on Saturday.
Mobile internet services remain suspended, further complicating the situation for tourists trying to coordinate travel. Police have defended the curfew as a preventive measure but expressed hope for an early return to normalcy.
Impact on Visitors
Several tourists voiced frustration at being unable to move around or access even basic services. “I had planned to visit Pangong Lake, but permits were not available, and everything was closed. I could not even exchange currency,” said Sheena, a visitor from Taiwan.
Arpana Dass, who arrived from Delhi, said she was shocked to see deserted markets. “We could not go anywhere due to restrictions. The whole town looks shut down,” she added. Shruti, another tourist, echoed the disappointment: “We came for Ladakh’s beauty, but now we are confined to our rooms.”
Earlier Shocks to the Sector
Ladakh’s tourism had already taken a hit earlier this year after the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir on April 22 that killed 26 people. The attack led to widespread cancellations across the region, despite Ladakh being a separate Union Territory. Operation Sindoor, launched by the Indian Army in May to dismantle terror infrastructure across the border, briefly restored confidence, but the latest violence has once again hurt the fragile recovery.
Locals Plead for Peace
Transporters, hoteliers, and shopkeepers said every day of shutdown adds to mounting losses. “Each day of uncertainty means lost income for thousands of families who depend on tourism. We are praying for normalcy,” a hotelier said.
Local transporter Rigzin Dorjey added, “First, the Pahalgam attack paralysed us, and now this curfew has struck harder. The situation must improve quickly, or the industry may collapse.”
Hope for Normalcy
Despite the uncertainty, both locals and tourists hope that peace will return soon. A senior police officer noted that while restrictions are tough, they are essential to prevent further disturbances. The administration has yet to announce when the curfew will be lifted.
For now, Ladakh’s mountains, monasteries, and markets wait silently, as the people of Leh pray for peace and stability to revive the region’s tourism lifeline.