26 April 2026: In a landmark decision aimed at fulfilling the long-standing aspirations of the people of Ladakh and strengthening grassroots governance, the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Shri Vinai Kumar Saxena, on 27 April 2026 approved the issuance of a notification for the creation of five new districts in the Union Territory. With this historic development, the number of districts in Ladakh has increased from two to seven.
The newly created districts are Sham, Nubra, Changthang, Zanskar, and Drass. The decision follows the approval granted by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Government of India, in August 2024 for the formation of these districts.
The creation of the new districts is expected to significantly improve administrative efficiency, strengthen governance, enhance public service delivery, and address the long-pending demands of residents, particularly those living in remote and geographically challenging regions of the Union Territory.
Describing the move as a major milestone in Ladakh’s development journey, Lieutenant Governor Shri Vinai Kumar Saxena stated that the decision is in line with the vision of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for a developed, prosperous, and inclusive Ladakh, a vision that has guided the Union Territory since its formation in 2019.
Of the five new districts, Nubra (Headquarters: Diskit), Sham (Headquarters: Khaltse), and Changthang (Headquarters: Nyoma) have been carved out of Leh district. Meanwhile, Zanskar (Headquarters: Padum) and Drass (Headquarters: Drass-Ranbirpura) have been created from the existing Kargil district.
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Following the notification, the territorial boundaries of all seven districts have been formally defined. Under the new administrative arrangement, Leh district will comprise 44 revenue villages, Nubra 30, Changthang 24, and Sham 27. Similarly, Kargil district will consist of 80 revenue villages, while Zanskar and Drass will have 26 and 19 revenue villages respectively.
Calling the decision “historic,” the Lieutenant Governor emphasized that the establishment of the new districts would usher in a new era of inclusive and balanced development by bringing governance closer to the people and ensuring efficient delivery of services at their doorsteps.
“This transformative decision reflects the Government of India’s unwavering commitment to unlocking Ladakh’s immense potential and ensuring balanced, inclusive, and sustainable development across the Union Territory,” Shri Saxena said.
As one of India’s largest Union Territories by geographical area, Ladakh has long faced administrative challenges arising from its rugged terrain, sparse population, and scattered settlements. The creation of five additional districts will decentralize governance, reduce the need for citizens to undertake long journeys—often exceeding 300 kilometres—to access administrative services, and facilitate faster implementation of development initiatives.
Beyond administrative benefits, the establishment of the new districts is expected to create substantial employment opportunities through the setting up of administrative offices, supporting infrastructure, and related services. This is likely to boost local employment, entrepreneurship, skill development, and overall economic growth across the region.
It may be recalled that the Ministry of Home Affairs, while approving the proposal in August 2024, had directed the Ladakh Administration to constitute a committee to examine various aspects of district formation. The committee subsequently conducted extensive consultations with public representatives, community delegations, and stakeholders from across the region, undertook field visits, and submitted a comprehensive report that laid the foundation for this historic decision.
26 August 2024: Ladakh, the international tourist destination and the crown of India standing tall in the middle of Himalayas that guards India from its enemies at two fronts, has grown bigger as the Government of India on Monday, August 26, 2024, announced to create five new districts out of existing two districts — Leh and Kargil.
Although the demarcation and official set up may take some time, the Home Minister Amit Shah posted on X (formerly Twitter) that government has decided to create five new districts in Ladakh. The new districts will be Nubra, Zanskar, Sham, Drass and Changthang. The announcement has sent waves of happiness across Ladakh.
With altitude ranging from 2,550 m to 7,742 m, the Union Territory of Ladakh has a geographical area of about 59,146 square kilometers but it has only two districts Leh and Kargil. Soon, Ladakh will have seven districts with Leh being the administrative centre of UT of Ladakh.
The main reason behind only two districts in Ladakh was its low population which is about 2,74,289 as per 2011 census. The geographical difficulties, with many villages being as far as over 200km from district headquarters, or taking a full day travel or more to reach district headquarter for important works, were one of the reasons behind not all people easily taking advantage of government schemes and other facilities. The officials, too, were having difficulty in visiting all these remote locations frequently.
Tourism has become a major source of income for the residents of Ladakh. Splitting UT of Ladakh into five more districts will not only help in better development, but it will also help on development of tourism infrastructure.
Union Minister Amit Shah posted: In pursuit of PM Shri @narendramodi Ji’s vision to build a developed and prosperous Ladakh, the MHA has decided to create five new districts in the union territory. The new districts, namely Zanskar, Drass, Sham, Nubra and Changthang, will take the benefits meant for the people to their doorsteps by bolstering governance in every nook and cranny. The Modi government is committed to creating abundant opportunities for the people of Ladakh.
https://x.com/AmitShah/status/1827947228348231774
The all seven districts — Leh, Kargil, Zanskar, Nubra, Sham, Changthang and Drass — will see new heights of development with boost to tourism.
Here are the new seven districts of Ladakh
- Leh district: Leh is the headquarters of Ladakh and is a centre point with borders with China, Himachal. Leh city is the district headquarters.
- Kargil district: Kargil is the second important district in Ladakh with its border with Pakistan (PoK), Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal. Kargil town is the district headquarters.
- Nubra district: Nubra, in the northern part of Ladakh, will be a new district. Nubra is a sub-division of Leh district. Now, Diskit, Hunder, Sumur, Panamik, Turtuk and other villages beyond Khardung La pass will be the part of Nubra district. Diskit will be the new district headquarters of Nubra district.
- Zanskar district: Zanskar valley is a part of Kargil district. The Budhist majority in the Zanskar valley, which shares is huge border with Himachal and some boundary with J&K, will be a new district. The new district can be carved out of Kargil from Pensi-La pass. Padum will be the new headquarters of Zanskar district.
- Drass district: Drass is a sub-division of Kargil district to the west on Leh-Srinagar highway. Drass district will be upto Zojila pass and will share its border with J&K and Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK). It is expected to be one of the smallest district in Ladakh. Drass town will be the new district headquarters of Drass district.
- Changthang district: Currently under Leh district, Chumathang will have popular areas like Pangong lake, Tso Moriri lake, Durbuk, Hanle, Nyoma, Chushul etc. It will share its border with China and Himachal Pradesh’s Lahaul-Spiti district. Nyoma is expected to be the new headquarters of Changthang district while Durbuk can be the second choice.
- Sham district: Sham valley is currently under administration of Leh district. Nimmu, Alchi, Basgo, Khaltsi, Lamayuru etc are expected to be the part of new Sham district. Sham district will be in the middle of Leh and Kargil district. Khaltsi is expected to be the new headquarters of Sham district.
Note: The above details are based on an idea as actual jurisdiction, areas under district and district headquarters will be decided only after demarcation. Although five new districts have been created in Ladakh, but actual orders and administrative set up may take months or years.
How creation of five new districts will benefit tourism in Ladakh?
The creation of five new districts in Ladakh is expected to have a significant impact on tourism in the region. By dividing the region into smaller, more manageable administrative units, the government can better focus on infrastructure development, improve connectivity, and enhance facilities for tourists. This can lead to more efficient management of tourist sites and quicker response times in case of emergencies. The new districts could also help promote lesser-known destinations, distribute tourist footfall more evenly, and reduce congestion at popular spots, thus creating a more balanced and sustainable tourism industry in Ladakh. Additionally, better administrative oversight can ensure environmental protection and promote culturally sensitive tourism, further boosting Ladakh’s appeal as a travel destination.
CEC extends Congratulations to the People of Ladakh on the Creation of Five New Districts
Here is the message from CEC of Hill council Leh Tashi Gyalson:
A message from Executive Councilor from Zanskar Punchok Tashi
The efforts of Zanskar’s people, guided by our ancestors and leaders such as the late Nawang Punchok Karsha, late Maemae Lama Gyaltsen Tsazar, late Gyalpo Nima Zangla, late Gonpa Association President Lama Nawang Tsering Shilingskit, along with Ka Sonam Namgyal Karsha, Acho Chostar Sani, and all honorable councilors of Zanskar past and present, supported by Ladakh’s senior leaders like Ka Thupstan Chewang, former MP, and Jamyang Tsering Namgyal, former MP, have culminated in today’s declaration by the Honorable Home Minister.
The unity demonstrated by the people of Zanskar in the 2019 parliamentary election, under the leadership of the Zanskar Buddhist Association, Gonpa Association, and Muslim Association, alongside their youth wings, and their steadfast support for the BJP, was a historic and unifying decision by all political parties and leaders.
Our heartfelt gratitude goes to the Honorable LG UT Ladakh, Dr. BD Mishra, and former LG RK Mathur for their support.
Kiki Soso Lhargyalo! Zanskar Mimang Gyal Kyurshik!
Punchok Tashi
Executive Councilor
Zanskar Development Authority
LAHDC Kargil
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