Who thought the world’s highest battlefield, Siachen Glacier would soon become a tourist destination? Defence minister Rajnath Singh announced that the Siachen region is now open for tourism. The opening of Siachen for tourism will also lead to an increment in Ladakh tourism. Rajnath Singh tweeted “ Ladakh has tremendous potential in Tourism. Better connectivity in Ladakh would certainly bring tourists in large numbers. The Siachen region is now open for tourists and Tourism. Siachen Base Camp to Kumar Post, the entire area has been opened for tourism purposes”.
What is Siachen?
The Siachen Glacier is located in the eastern Karakoram range of Himalayas. It is the largest glacier in the Karakoram range. India took over the region in the year 1984 in an operation called Operation Meghdoot. And, opening this region for tourists would be a different experience. People would be able to experience the climate and there will be more tourists spots, activities and resorts.
Update on opening of The Siachen for tourists and tourism
The Kumar Post is situated at a height of more than 15,000 ft so tourists can start their travel from the base camp of Partapur which is 11,000 feet to Kumar post. Basically, the tourists will be given a permit for traveling to these areas. Earlier, The Siachen Glacier used to have expeditions organized by the Indian army from base camp to Kumar Post. Now, tourists will be allowed to do their expeditions individually.
Rajnath Singh along with Army Chief Bipin Rawat has inaugurated the new bridge across the Shyok River. It is constructed to ease the connectivity with the Daulat Beg Oldi sector along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China. The new bridge will decrease the difficulty for tourists and will be robust for all weather conditions. And, it can be a very important asset in the border region said Rajnath Singh. The construction of this new bridge started in 2017 which will be connected to the roads. This bridge is said to be 4.5 meters wide and 1400 ft long and is at a height of more than 14,000 feet.
The main idea for the construction of this bridge was to strengthen the borders. The development of the border region was a mandatory aspect that the government of India was looking forward to.
Rajnath Singh also said that India and China share a cordial relation and the situation has been under control. The situation has not been escalated and has been handled with maturity by both the countries.
Apart from this, there are 36 other bridges in construction which will be of great help to not only army professionals but civilians. It will make the movement swift and easy for everyone.
The Border Roads Organisation is using over 900 crores for the development of Ladakh which will soon welcome domestic and foreign tourists. You will be surprised to know that BRO has constructed 1200km of road in 2018-19 in Ladakh. When asked Rajnath Singh about the decision to make Ladakh a Union Territory, he said it will be treated as the rest of the country and will be a destination for investment. This will increase the revenue and growth opportunities would also increase.
We are already very excited about this new travel destination. The Siachen Glacier is pretty much unexplored and opening up for tourists will encourage more travel enthusiasts to go take a trip. This Glacier is untouched and it would definitely make a good experience for not only domestic tourists but foreign tourists as well.