Curfew in Leh Cripples Ladakh Tourism, Tourists Stranded Amid Violence

Ladakh’s tourism sector, a lifeline for thousands of local families, is facing a deepening crisis as an indefinite curfew in Leh, triggered by violent clashes last week, has led to widespread booking cancellations and stranded tourists. The unrest, linked to protests by the Leh Apex Body demanding statehood and Sixth Schedule protections, has compounded earlier setbacks from the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, further eroding traveler confidence in the region.

The curfew, imposed on September 24 after clashes that left four dead and over 150 injured, entered its sixth day on Monday, with only a brief four-hour relaxation on Saturday. Mobile internet services remain suspended, paralyzing communication and access to essential services. Local businesses, from hotels to transport operators, are grappling with unprecedented losses, while tourists are confined to their accommodations, unable to explore Ladakh’s famed mountains, monasteries, and lakes.

Naseeb Singh, a hotel manager in Leh with nearly a decade of experience, described the situation as unprecedented. “We’ve seen daily cancellations of advance bookings since the violence began. The town’s closure has caused merchandise shortages, and both tourists and locals are facing immense hardships,” he told PTI. Singh emphasized that the peaceful reputation of Ladakh, a magnet for adventurers and spiritual seekers, has been severely tarnished.

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The tourism industry, already reeling from the ripple effects of the Pahalgam attack that killed 26 people, has struggled to recover. Rigzin Dorjey, a local transporter, noted that tourist arrivals only resumed a month after the Indian armed forces’ Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7 to target terror infrastructure in Pakistan. “The Pahalgam incident crippled us, and now this violence has dealt another blow,” Dorjey said, highlighting the economic toll on drivers, guides, and hoteliers.

Tourists, caught off-guard by the restrictions, expressed frustration. Sheena, a visitor from Taiwan, recounted her ordeal: “Everything was closed when I arrived. I couldn’t exchange currency, buy food, or get a permit to visit Pangong Lake.” Arpana Dass, who arrived from Delhi on Sunday, lamented the shuttered markets and lack of mobile internet, which prevented her from exploring. “We’re stuck in our hotels, hoping for normalcy soon,” she said. Another tourist, Shruti, added, “We came to experience Ladakh’s culture and landscapes, but now we’re just trapped in our rooms.”

Local hoteliers, speaking anonymously, underscored the urgency of restoring peace, as each day of curfew translates to lost income for thousands dependent on tourism. The sector, which drives much of Ladakh’s economy, faces an uncertain future if the situation persists. A police official defended the curfew as essential to prevent further violence but expressed hope for an imminent resolution.

The ongoing unrest has raised concerns about Ladakh’s image as a safe destination, with stakeholders fearing long-term damage to its tourism appeal. As authorities work to stabilize the region, the focus remains on balancing security with the urgent need to revive the economy and reassure visitors. For now, Ladakh’s vibrant markets and scenic attractions remain out of reach, leaving both locals and tourists yearning for peace.

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