Following the recent and heinous terrorist attack on innocent tourists in Pahalgam, Kashmir, many travelers are understandably concerned about the safety of visiting Ladakh. In light of these concerns, it is important to clarify the distinction between Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, and to reassure all travelers that Ladakh remains a peaceful and secure destination.
Ladakh and Jammu & Kashmir are two separate Union Territories of India, divided by vast mountain ranges and governed independently. While Kashmir has seen a strong security presence from the Indian Armed Forces and continues to remain under tight surveillance, Ladakh has maintained its reputation as one of the most peaceful regions in the country. The journey from Srinagar (Kashmir) to Leh (Ladakh) takes nearly two days by road, further underscoring the geographical and logistical separation between the two territories.
Even the Lt Governor of UT of Ladakh, Brigadier (Dr) BD Mishra (Retd), stressed on the safe tourism activities for tourists in Ladakh and called for the removal of Ladakh from travel advisories issued by the USA and other nations.
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Safety in Ladakh
Ladakh has not witnessed any terrorist activities and is widely considered to be one of the safest and most tourist-friendly destinations in India. Tourists from across the country and around the world visit Ladakh every year, drawn by its breathtaking landscapes, unique culture, and warm hospitality. Local authorities, travel agents, hoteliers, taxi operators, and every individual associated with the tourism industry are committed to ensuring the safety, comfort, and unforgettable experience of every visitor.
If you have already planned or booked a trip to Ladakh, or are considering visiting, you can proceed with full confidence. Ladakh wholeheartedly welcomes tourists from all corners of the globe, and the region’s administration has assured all necessary measures to maintain a safe and secure environment.
Situation in Kashmir
Despite the tragic incident in Pahalgam, tourism in Kashmir is continuing. While some tourists have opted to return home or cancel their plans, a significant number of visitors still remain in the valley. Flight operations are running smoothly and without disruption. Security forces remain vigilant, and the situation is being closely monitored.
Solidarity from Ladakh
The people of Ladakh strongly condemn the barbaric attack in Pahalgam and extend their deepest condolences to the families of the victims. The entire community stands united in grief and solidarity with those affected.
To all tourists — your safety is our priority, and your presence is our pride. Ladakh looks forward to welcoming you with open arms and offering you a serene and enriching travel experience.
Ladakh safe for tourism; stakeholders demand removal of ‘misleading’ travel advisories: Deccan Herald
Concerned over the cancellations of bookings in the aftermath of a terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, the tourism stakeholders in the neighbouring Ladakh on Wednesday assured the foreign and domestic tourists of safe travel in the Union Territory (UT) of Ladakh, according to Deccan Herald.
They also demanded the removal of “misleading” travel advisories. Terrorists opened fire in Pahalgam on Tuesday afternoon, killing 26 people, mostly tourists, in what is the deadliest attack in the valley since the Pulwama strike in 2019.
Ladakh observed a shutdown against the terror attack. The UT is also holding a candlelight vigil, jointly being organised by all religious groups representing Buddhist, Muslim and Christian communities besides trade and tourism associations here later in the day to express solidarity with the bereaved families.
US advisory reads: “On April 22, 2025, a terrorist attack occurred in Pahalgam, Kashmir, India, with media reporting multiple casualties. Several cities in India remain on high alert as a result of the attack, according to local media.
U.S. citizens are reminded that the Department of State has a “Do Not Travel” advisory for Jammu and Kashmir. The travel advisory can be found on travel.state.gov here, and states:
Terrorist attacks and violent civil unrest are possible in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Do not travel to this state (with the exception of visits to the eastern Ladakh region and its capital, Leh). Violence happens sporadically in this area and is common along the Line of Control (LOC) between India and Pakistan. It also occurs in tourist spots in the Kashmir Valley: Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam. The Indian government does not allow foreign tourists to visit certain areas along the LOC.”
The “terrorism-free” region of Ladakh was separated from the erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir state in 2019 following the abrogation of Article 370. The two were made separate UTs.
All Ladakh Hotel and Guest House Association president Rigzin Wangmo Lachic said the latest travel advisories issued by the United States and the United Kingdom in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack categorised Ladakh under J-K, creating confusion and concern among the foreign and domestic tourists planning to visit the region.
“We have written a letter to Ladakh Chief Secretary Pawan Kotwal, requesting him to take up the matter with the Union Ministry of External Affairs to save the region from the negative impact of the travel advisories at the start of the tourism season,” Lachic was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.
The association strongly condemned the “unfortunate terrorist attack” in J-K and said it supported all efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice.
“Ladakh remains peaceful, safe and hospitable for all travellers,” she said, expressing concern over the repercussions of the Pahalgam incident.
“We have already started witnessing multiple cancellations by guests who are mistakenly associating Ladakh with areas of unrest,” Lachic was quoted as saying.
“We believe that a formal communication from the UT Administration affirming that Ladakh remains a safe and welcoming destination will go a long way in restoring confidence among both foreign and domestic tourists,” she said.
Both Leh and Kargil observed a strike with all shops and business establishments closed against the terror attack with groups of people staging peaceful protests demanding stern action against the culprits.
“Such attacks are a threat to humanity and must be condemned by all, regardless of region and religion,” Jamiat-ul-Ulama Isna Asharia Kargil president Sheikh Nazir Mehdi Mohammadi was quoted as saying.
He said terrorism, whether in Kashmir or anywhere else, is a menace that primarily targets innocent lives.
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