Daulat Beg Oldi (DBO), which is sometimes written as Daulat Beg Oldie, is a strategically significant military outpost in the Ladakh region of India, located at an altitude of 16,614 feet near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China.
Daulat Beg Oldi is accessible by Indian Army both by road and by flight. The road to DBO starts from Shyok village near Durbuk village on way to Pangong lake from Nubra. DBO is about 250 km from Durbuk village (DSDBO road) and about 235 KM from Shyok village.
DBO has one of the highest airstrips (advanced landing ground) in the world and plays a crucial role in India’s defense operations due to its proximity to the Karakoram Pass. The region is known for its challenging terrain and harsh weather conditions, making it accessible primarily to military personnel.
The airstrip was originally built during the 1962 Sino-Indian War and was reactivated in 2008 to strengthen India’s border infrastructure. The presence of the Indian Air Force at Daulat Beg Oldi allows for rapid deployment of troops and supplies, crucial for maintaining India’s strategic interests in the region. The airstrip also serves as a key logistical hub for operations in the Siachen Glacier area.
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The Indian government’s focus on enhancing infrastructure in this remote area underscores its importance in countering potential threats from across the border. Despite its military significance, Daulat Beg Oldi is largely inaccessible to civilians, with limited information available due to its sensitive location.
Daulat Beg Oldie is so far a restricted area where civilians, including tourists, are not allowed. The area is secluded. Nearly 235 KM road from Shyok to DBO has no human settlements or any civilisation. Only Indian Army’s camps and Border Roads Organisation (BRO) workers and officers can be seen along the road.
As Daulat Beg Oldie came to prominence recently after Indian Air Force C 130J-30 Super Hercules aircraft successfully landed here on 20 August 2013. Over two dozen large bridges are under construction on this road while majority of the road has been widened and blacktopped.
Can tourists visit Daulat Beg Oldi?
A large number of tourists try to visit DBO, but are not allowed due to security reasons. The area and the road is very sensitive. As Indian government is opening border areas for tourists, there is possibility that DBO will also be opened for tourists in future. Civilians will get to know how our soldiers survive in such harsh conditions and how they are protecting our nation.
How to get permit to visit DBO?
DBO is a restricted military area. So, permits are not available for visitors.
Where is Daulat Beg Oldie located?
DBO is located near the historic Karakoram Pass, close to the Line of Actual Control (LAC) between India and China along the old silk route in northern Ladakh. The site has a long history, with the airstrip originally built during the 1962 Sino-Indian War to support Indian military operations. After being abandoned for several decades, the airstrip was reactivated in 2008 to strengthen India’s defense infrastructure in this strategically sensitive area. DBO can be reached from Leh side after crossing Chang La pass or also from Nubra side (via Shyok) or Pangong side (via Durbuk – Shyok).
Why DBO is so important for India?
DBO plays a critical role in the defense and logistics chain of the Indian military, particularly for operations in the Siachen Glacier and along the LAC. The reactivation of the airstrip has enabled the Indian Air Force to deploy troops and supplies rapidly, providing a strategic advantage in this remote and challenging region. The surrounding terrain is rugged and inhospitable, with temperatures plummeting well below freezing for most of the year. The location of DBO, close to the contentious Aksai Chin region controlled by China, makes it a pivotal point in India’s border security strategy.
In addition to its military significance, DBO is also a symbol of India’s determination to maintain and strengthen its presence in the remote border areas of Ladakh. The government’s focus on developing infrastructure, including roads and airstrips like DBO, highlights the importance of this region in India’s national security framework. DBO remains a crucial outpost in India’s efforts to secure its northern borders.
Update on November 25, 2024: The Indian Army’s Fire Fury Corps today posted that it has successfully connected Siachen Glacier and Daulat Beg Oldi (DBO) with Optical Fibre Cable (OFC). Siachen Glacier above 18,000 ft is the coldest and highest battlefield in the world while Daulat Beg Oldie is the northernmost airfield in India with an airstrip close to border with China and Pakistan. Both the regions have now got high speed internet connectivity.
https://x.com/firefurycorps/status/1860922392362569731
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