Srinagar: Ladakh witnessed a remarkable 121% increase in tourist arrivals in May 2025, marking the beginning of the peak tourism season, compared to the same month last year. The Ladakh administration issued a statement on Saturday highlighting that foreign tourist arrivals also rose by over 15%, with the majority of visitors coming from Thailand, Vietnam, and the United States. Tourists from Japan, the United Kingdom, Germany, and France also made significant contributions to the sector.
Reforms and Infrastructure Boost Tourism
Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena attributed this growth to a series of reforms and the development of tourist-friendly infrastructure and amenities. He stated, "Initiatives such as tourism sector reforms to reduce compliance burdens, simplification of cumbersome documentation, and granting industry status to hotels and guest houses in Ladakh have instilled confidence among tourism stakeholders, including hoteliers, guest house owners, and tour operators."
Record Numbers
The government reported that Ladakh welcomed 72,834 tourists in May 2025, compared to 32,927 in May 2024. Between January and May 2025, the region received 1,17,546 tourists, up from 81,827 during the same period last year.
Industry Perspective
Rigzin Wangmo Lachic, President of the All Ladakh Hotel and Guest House Association, commented, "It has been a long time since we have seen a truly positive season. The industry has faced several challenging years, including the impact of the Pahalgam incident last year, which was reflected in reduced visitor numbers." She added, "We must promote year-round tourism. By encouraging travel during spring, autumn, and winter, and by promoting rural destinations beyond the few well-known circuits, we can reduce seasonal pressure and ensure more equitable economic growth across Ladakh."
