Ladakh Tourism Suffers Severe Blow Amid Leh Unrest and Indefinite Curfew

The tourism industry in Ladakh has been hit hard following recent unrest in Leh, leaving tourists stranded and forcing widespread cancellations of hotel bookings. The disturbances erupted after a shutdown call by the Leh Apex Body, which is pressing for statehood and the extension of the Sixth Schedule to Ladakh. The situation escalated quickly, leading to violent clashes, at least four deaths, and more than 150 injuries.

Authorities have imposed an indefinite curfew in Leh since September 24, alongside suspensions of mobile and internet services. These restrictions have created major communication hurdles for tourists and local businesses alike. Many hotels report cancellations of prior bookings on a daily basis, while some face supply shortages due to the town being effectively closed. Naseeb Singh, a hotel manager with nearly ten years of experience in the region, said he had never witnessed a situation like this in Leh, which is usually known for its tranquil and tourist-friendly environment.

The unrest comes at a sensitive time for Ladakh’s tourism sector, which had only recently started to recover from previous shocks. Earlier in April, the Pahalgam attack claimed 26 lives and triggered heightened security measures along the India-Pakistan border, causing a temporary slump in tourist inflows. Local transporters like Rigzin Dorjey note that while tourism had shown signs of revival, the current unrest threatens to erase those gains, leaving both operators and tourists in uncertainty.

Tourism is a key economic driver for Ladakh, supporting hotels, transport services, and local artisans. The indefinite curfew and travel disruptions have brought the sector to a near standstill, underscoring the fragility of the industry in the face of political or social unrest. Stakeholders are calling for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing crisis, emphasizing that restoring order and normalcy is essential for the region’s economic recovery.

As the situation develops, local authorities and tourism operators are closely monitoring events, hoping that calm will return soon. The restoration of safety and connectivity will be critical for reviving Ladakh’s tourism, allowing the region to regain its reputation as a serene and attractive destination for domestic and international visitors alike.