Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena said the Union territory is actively working towards becoming a year-round tourism destination, with a focus on winter, astro, wellness, culture-based, eco, adventure and village tourism.He said the objective of tourism development is not merely to increase visitor numbers, but to promote sustainable, community-led and environmentally responsible tourism that creates equitable economic opportunities for local communities while protecting Ladakh's fragile ecology and cultural heritage.
The lieutenant governor was speaking after inaugurating Ladakh Festival 2026 at the polo ground, Leh, in the presence of a large crowd on Saturday evening, marking the beginning of a three-day celebration of the region's rich cultural heritage, traditional lifestyle, art, cuisine, sports and diverse tourism experiences.
The festival, one of the region's significant cultural and tourism events, celebrates the living heritage, cultural identity and collective spirit of the people of Ladakh. Over the years, the festival has evolved into an important platform for showcasing Ladakh's unique traditions, landscapes, hospitality and diverse tourism potential to audiences from across India and the world.
The festival also assumes significance from the tourism perspective as Ladakh continues to strengthen its position on the national and international tourism map. As of September 16, Ladakh had received 4.37 lakh tourists, a number already higher than the total tourist arrivals recorded during the entire year of 2025.
"The Ladakh festival is an important platform for preserving Ladakh's centuries-old traditions and presenting its rich cultural heritage on the national and international stage," the lieutenant governor said, emphasising that as Ladakh moves forward on the path of development and modernisation, preserving its deep cultural roots becomes even more important.
He said these events create opportunities for local artisans, entrepreneurs, artists, performers, and tourism stakeholders.
"Ladakh is working towards becoming a true all-season tourism destination, with focus on winter tourism, astro tourism, wellness tourism, culture-based tourism, eco-tourism, adventure tourism and village tourism," Saxena said.
The lieutenant governor remarked that the festival offers a significant opportunity to extend the region's cultural identity beyond its geographical limits. He described cultural exchange as a key strength of tourism, ensuring that Ladakh's heritage is passed on to future generations.
He urged visitors to experience Ladakh responsibly, engage with local communities, understand local traditions, support local artisans and entrepreneurs, and help protect the region's fragile environment.
Traditional sports such as archery and horse polo, local cuisine, exhibition of the craftsmanship of local artisans through handicraft and handloom exhibitions and live demonstrations, astronomy and star-gazing activities, river rafting, short films, and a sound-and-light show are the major attractions of the three-day festival aimed at expanding the festival's appeal, bringing together culture, adventure, creativity and new forms of visitor engagement, an official spokesman said.
The opening day featured performances by the Stringmo Sisters and the Shillong Chamber Choir, as well as a variety of folk and cultural performances that reflect Ladakh's vibrant artistic traditions.
Earlier, a cultural parade featuring monastic groups, folk troupes, traditional musicians, horse and camel riders, and representatives from different villages and districts took place from Karzoo and culminated at the polo ground.