The Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, in collaboration with the Ladakh UT Administration, ITBP, Defense, and local tourism stakeholders, organized a hands-on workshop in the vibrant border villages of Durbuk and Tangtse in District Leh. Held under the Vibrant Village Programme (VVP), the initiative aims to promote sustainable tourism, generate livelihoods, and preserve cultural heritage in India’s strategic border areas.
The workshop focused on empowering local stakeholders through three key initiatives: guidance on registration and approval processes for homestays under the “Incredible India Bed & Breakfast/Homestay Establishment” scheme; awareness about the digital “Incredible India Tourist Facilitators Certification Programme (IITFC)” to train locals as certified tourist guides; and the formation of YUVA Tourism Clubs to instill a sense of heritage responsibility and promote responsible tourism practices among the youth.
The event saw participation from over 150 residents from Durbuk, Tangtse, Man, Thrauk, Chushul, and Merak villages. Among them were 40 homestay owners, 50 aspiring youth for the guide certification program, 40 handicraft entrepreneurs, and students from local schools. Tourism officials, industry leaders, and senior defense personnel—including Shri Tashi Namgyal Yakzee (Executive Councillor, Leh), Shri Konchok Stanzin (Councillor, Chushul), Shri Akun Sabharwal (IG, NW Frontier, ITBP), and Brig. M.R. Jagadish (Station Commander, Tangtse)—graced the occasion and reaffirmed their commitment to regional development.
To promote Durbuk and Tangtse as strategic stopovers between Pangong, Nubra, and the emerging Galwan tourist circuit, a digital brochure was unveiled, and a familiarization (FAM) tour for tourism stakeholders and media was conducted. Youth from the newly-formed YUVA Tourism Clubs showcased local culture through vibrant performances, and mementos were distributed to commemorate the event.
The workshop marks a significant step toward integrating remote Ladakhi villages into the national tourism framework while promoting responsible travel, cultural preservation, and economic development.
