Leh: In a major boost to Ladakh’s tourism sector, the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, on Wednesday and Thursday unveiled a series of landmark initiatives aimed at strengthening tourist safety, promoting sustainability, enhancing cultural branding, and positioning Ladakh as a globally competitive, year-round tourism destination.
At a ceremonial event in Leh, the Lieutenant Governor released the official ‘Destination Ladakh’ logo, the ‘Celebrate Ladakh’ Tourism Calendar, the STP Incentive Scheme–2025, and the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for procurement of satellite phones, marking a comprehensive and integrated approach to tourism development in the Union Territory.
Strengthening Tourism Safety through Satellite Phones
To address communication challenges in Ladakh’s remote and high-altitude regions, the LG launched streamlined SOPs enabling tour operators to procure satellite phones through BSNL, Leh easily. Secretary, Tourism, Sanjit Rodrigues, informed that the Ministry of Defence had permitted satellite phone usage for tourism purposes in 2022, following which the Department of Tourism coordinated closely with BSNL to operationalise the service.
Director, Tourism, Tsering Paldan said the SOPs, issued on December 17, 2025, provide a transparent and secure mechanism for procurement, significantly enhancing emergency communication, rescue coordination, and operational confidence for adventure tourism in off-grid areas.
‘Celebrate Ladakh’ Calendar and UT-Level Festivals
The Lieutenant Governor also inaugurated the ‘Celebrate Ladakh’ Tourism Calendar and announced the declaration of nine UT-Level Festivals to strengthen cultural branding and promote year-round tourism. These include the Apricot Blossom Festival, Ladakh Astro Week, Changthang Nomadic Festival, Suru Summer Festival, Zanskar Festival, Ladakh Festival, Himalayan Film Festival, Ladakh Bike Week, and Ethnic Food Festival.
Fixed dates for the next three years are expected to improve planning, inter-departmental coordination, and national and international promotion, while local and regional festivals will continue to be celebrated in line with community traditions.
STP Incentive Scheme–2025 for Sustainable Tourism
Reinforcing Ladakh’s commitment to ecological protection, the LG launched the Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) Incentive Scheme–2025, aimed at encouraging hotels and guesthouses with 10 to 19 rooms to install decentralised STPs. Under the scheme, eligible units will receive financial assistance of up to 75 percent of equipment cost, capped at ₹5 lakh, with an additional 10 percent incentive for women-owned establishments. The scheme aligns with environmental regulations and promotes scientific wastewater management to protect Ladakh’s fragile ecosystem.
‘Destination Ladakh’ Logo Unveiled
On December 18, the LG formally unveiled the ‘Destination Ladakh’ logo, designed to reflect Ladakh’s cultural continuity, landscapes, and identity. Inspired by the Bhoti letter “La,” symbolising the Land of High Passes, the logo features uneven brush strokes and a deep red colour representing Maryul, the historic “Red Land.”
The event was attended by senior dignitaries, including the Hon’ble Chief Executive Councillor, LAHDC Kargil, Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon; Chief Secretary Dr. Pawan Kotwal; senior civil and security अधिकारियों; elected representatives; and tourism stakeholders.
Secretary, Tourism & Culture, Sanjit Rodrigues, highlighted ongoing initiatives under Swadesh Darshan 2.0, PM-JUGA, and the Homestay Policy, along with projects such as Sindhu Darshan Park, heritage development in Hunderman, promotion of Markha Valley, and visitor experience enhancements.
Dr Akhoon lauded the creative team from Stringmo for designing the logo and announced an honorary token of ₹5 lakh for the team, while emphasising the role of festivals, adventure tourism, and women-led enterprises in Ladakh’s tourism economy.
Through these coordinated initiatives, the UT Administration has taken a decisive step towards ensuring safe, sustainable, and well-branded tourism, reinforcing Ladakh’s position as a premier destination for culture, adventure, and responsible travel on the global stage.
