Demchok is a remote village located in the southeastern part of Ladakh, near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) between India and China, and comes under administrative jurisdiction of Leh district. As the Centre has created five new districts in Ladakh, Demchok will now become a part of Changthang district.
Situated at an altitude of about 13,500 feet, Demchok is known for its strategic significance and its location along the Indus River. The village has a sparse population (about 70 people) and is one of the last inhabited regions before the border with China. Demchok is in Indian administered Ladakh in the disputed Demchok sector.
Historically, Demchok has been a point of contention between India and China, with both countries claiming the area. The village has been subject to territorial disputes, especially due to being inside the Demchok sector, which has seen occasional standoffs between Indian and Chinese forces. Despite the tensions, Demchok remains an important settlement due to its strategic location and proximity to the Charding Nullah, a stream that marks part of the border.
The village is characterized by its rugged terrain, high-altitude deserts, and sparse vegetation. It experiences extreme weather conditions, with cold winters and mild summers. The residents of Demchok, primarily of Ladakhi descent, rely on subsistence agriculture and livestock for their livelihoods. The village is also known for its hot springs, which are believed to have therapeutic properties and attract a limited number of tourists each year.
In recent years, the Indian government has made efforts to improve infrastructure in Demchok, including better road connectivity, communication facilities, and basic amenities. These developments aim to boost the quality of life for the residents and strengthen India’s presence in the region.
Despite its remote location and geopolitical sensitivities, Demchok offers a unique insight into the challenges and resilience of living in a high-altitude border region. It also serves as a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Ladakh, with its blend of Buddhist traditions and rugged mountain lifestyles.
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Tourism in Demchok village
With better road connectivity to this remote village, one road passing through world’s highest motorable pass at Umling La at 19,024ft, reaching here has become very easy. Umling La pass has now become a popular tourist spot as a large number of tourists reaching here to take selfie at highest road in the world, some of them are visiting Demchok village as well.
Its remoteness, proximity to border with China, unique culture, typical Ladakhi lifestyle, natural hot water springs, holy Demchok Lhari Karpo, glimpses of Chinese occupied village and natural beauty of the area are attracting tourists.
Please note that as of 2024, tourists can only travel upto the entrance of the Demchok village, but are not allowed to go beyond this point due to security reasons.
Permit to visit Demchok
Although some tourists are managing to reach Demchok, there is no official notification to open it for tourists as tourists can get online permit to visit Hanle (Hanley) village only. Tourists can apply to visit Hanle by choosing this option but there is no option to choose Umling La or Demchok in permit. So, tourists need to apply for a permit to visit Hanle, and visit Demchok via Umling La. Remember that Indian Army or police can stop you from visiting this village in case of tension at border, slippery road conditions or other security reasons.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Demchok is from June to September when road is clear of snow and ice and temperature is moderate.
Hotels and meal
The tourism infrastructure in Demchok or places beyond Hanle are expected to gain a boost in coming days. Tourists can have meals, tea and coffee in a cafe here. Some homestays are expected to come up here soon.
How to reach Demchok village
The easiest way to reach Demchok is via Umling La pass from Hanle.
Demchok Lhari Karpo
This is a sacred mountain that is revered by both Hindus and Buddhists. It is believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva and is also known as “Chota Kailash” (mini-Kailash). The mountain is located about 10 km from Demchok village.
Chinese occupied village
After the 1962 Sino-Indian War, the Demchok village was divided in two parts, with Demchok, Ladakh administered by India and Dêmqog, Tibet Autonomous Region administered by China. The Chinese occupied village is visible from Indian side.
Hot Water Springs
There are a few natural hot water springs around the village. In a study conducted by Geological Survey of India, two thermal springs are reported from the Demchok area in Ladakh, India. These are characterized by water having low total dissolved solids (TDS) content (~250 mg/l) as well as high pH (9.5) and surface temperature (75°C). Although these hot springs and their medicinal properties are known to locals, they have not been scientifically studied. Relatively low TDS despite high temperature could be due to sluggish ion exchange processes in the geothermal reservoir. Such a situation might have developed because of the high water-to-rock ratio and/or smaller residence time of the geothermal fluid in the reaction zone.
History
Demchok is a historic area of Ladakh, having been part of the kingdom from its inception in the 10th century. The village is named after Demchok Karpo, the rocky white peak behind the present Ladakhi village of Demchok. However, prior to 1947, the main Demchok village was on the Tibetan side of the border.
After the 1962 Sino-Indian War, the village of Demchok was divided in two parts, with Demchok, Ladakh administered by India and Dêmqog, Tibet Autonomous Region administered by China. The two villages are separated by a narrow strip of land and a stream.
The people of Demchok are mostly farmers and shepherds. They live in simple houses made of mud and stone. The village has a school, a health dispensary, and a post office. However, the villagers face many challenges, including lack of access to basic amenities, harsh climatic conditions, and frequent border tensions.
Dogra Rule
Dogra general Zorawar Singh conquered Ladakh in 1834 and made it a tributary of the Sikh Empire. Zorawar Singh is said to have built a fort on a hill next to the Tibetan side of Demchok. He also launched an invasion of Tibet via three wings, one of which passed through Demchok. The invasion was eventually repulsed. The two sides agreed to retain the borders as they were before.
Demchok gets first ever household water tap connection
He also expressed his gratitude to the Indian Army for their cooperation with the administration during the implementation of the project at Demchok. He emphasised that fast-track developments in border areas of Ladakh in recent times are a sign of good governance towards strengthening border regions and ensuring all the basic facilities to the residents which have been lacking to date.
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