Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Brigadier BD Mishra (Retd) has approved two significant policies designed to strengthen adventure tourism and mountaineering in Ladakh, according to an official statement from the Union Territory’s administration. The Department of Tourism, UT Ladakh, has notified the policies: the Registration and Renewal Guidelines for Adventure Tour Operators and Guidelines for Adventure Activities, and the Ladakh Mountaineering Policy-2024.
The Registration and Renewal Guidelines for Adventure Tour Operators and Guidelines for Adventure Activities cover a wide array of adventure options, including land-based activities such as ATV tours, bungee jumping, mountain biking, skiing, sandboarding, and trekking; air-based pursuits like paragliding, parasailing, and hot air ballooning; and water-based activities, including rafting, kayaking, and jet skiing. Each activity is classified as either high- or moderate-risk, ensuring that safety protocols are prioritized in alignment with the National Strategy for Adventure Tourism 2022 by the Ministry of Tourism.
The Ladakh Mountaineering Policy-2024 has been introduced to promote safe and sustainable high-altitude expeditions in Ladakh. According to the statement, “This policy envisions Ladakh as a premier mountaineering destination, emphasizing the empowerment of local communities, skill enhancement for Ladakhi guides, and environmental conservation.”
Under the new policies, Adventure Tour Operators (ATOs) and Mountaineering Tour Operators (MTOs) must register and renew their licenses every three years for a fee of ₹3,000. For mountaineering expeditions, MTOs are required to obtain permits, with fees determined by peak altitude and group size. The policy restricts expedition groups to 14 climbers per team and a maximum of 40 climbers per peak to minimize overcrowding and environmental impact.
To enhance safety, the policies mandate insurance coverage for all participants and operators. Operators found violating these guidelines face penalties, including potential registration cancellation. Non-registered operators are not allowed to operate within Ladakh, enforcing a regulated tourism ecosystem.
