Ladakh's winter tourism activities banned due of the COVID-19 outbreak

Officials said on Sunday that winter tourism activities in Ladakh, such as the Chadar trip and the snow leopard sighting expedition, had been halted due to an increase in COVID-19 cases in the union territory.

Since November of last year, Ladakh has seen almost 1,500 new COVID-19 cases and 13 deaths associated to the disease, with the majority of infections occurring in Leh. So far in January, there have been 288 illnesses and two deaths throughout the union territory.

On Sunday, the COVID-19 caseload in Ladakh rose to 22,472 after 59 additional persons tested positive for the virus, bringing the total number of people infected to 221, with 163 deaths in Leh and 58 in Kargil.

In light of the COVID-19 increase, District Magistrate Shrikant Balasaheb Suse of Leh has ordered the suspension of the Chadar trek 2022, snow leopard sighting expedition, and other winter tourism activities in the district until further instructions, according to officials.

Trekking in Chadar

The Chadar Trek, also known as the Zanskar Gorge, is a winter trek in Leh's Zanskar district. The track has become famous with adventure visitors over the years after serving as the only mode of transportation in the area during the severe winter months.

After consulting with all stakeholders, the district administration decided to halt tourism activities, according to officials.

Suse, who is also the chairperson of the district disaster management body, is claimed to have threatened severe action if the orders are not followed.