The Department of Tourism, Union Territory of Ladakh, has launched the Apricot Blossom Festival 2025 as part of its annual tourism calendar, aiming to promote ecotourism and attract early-season travelers. Inspired by Meghalaya’s Cherry Blossom Festival, the initiative—now in its third year—celebrates the vibrant bloom of apricot flowers across the apricot-growing belts of both Leh and Kargil regions.
This year, the festival has expanded to include more villages, with festivities culminating on May 4 at Tar village, recently recognized as India’s Best Tourism Village 2024 in the Responsible Tourism category by the Ministry of Tourism. The apricot blossom season, lasting over a month, transforms the landscape into a scenic blend of pink and white, offering visitors a unique springtime experience in Ladakh—one of India’s largest apricot-producing regions.
While tourist footfall in Ladakh typically begins in May, the Department of Tourism introduced this festival to draw visitors as early as April and encourage exploration beyond the well-trodden tourist routes. The Apricot Blossom Festival continues to grow as a signature event, helping extend the tourism season and spotlight the cultural and natural richness of lesser-known Ladakhi villages.
