Ladakh L-G approves mountaineering policy to promote tourism

Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Brig BD Mishra (retd) has approved two policies aimed at bolstering adventure tourism and mountaineering sectors in the Union Territory of Ladakh, according to the authorities.

The ‘Registration and Renewal Guidelines for Adventure Tour Operators and Guidelines for Adventure Activities’ alongside the ‘Ladakh Mountaineering Policy-2024’ have been notified by the Department of Tourism, UT Ladakh, a statement by the administration said.

The ‘Registration and Renewal Guidelines for Adventure Tour Operators and Guidelines for Adventure Activities’ covers a wide range of activities across land-based activities like all-terrain vehicle (ATV) tours, bungee jumping, mountain biking and cycling, skiing/ snowboarding, snow scooters, sandboarding, trekking, ziplining, rock climbing, artificial wall climbing, abseiling and ice climbing, motorcycle tours, wildlife tours; air-based activities like paragliding, parasailing, para motoring, hot air ballooning; and water-based activities like rafting, kayaking and jet ski.

These activities are categorised into high and moderate risk, ensuring that safety measures are prioritised and aligns with the ‘National Strategy for Adventure Tourism 2022’ by the Ministry of Tourism.

According to the statement, the Ladakh Mountaineering Policy-2024 has been introduced to promote sustainable and safe high-altitude mountaineering expeditions.

“This policy envisions Ladakh as a premier mountaineering destination, emphasising the empowerment of local communities, skill enhancement of Ladakhi guides, and environmental conservation,” it said.

Adventure Tour Operators (ATOs) and Mountaineering Tour Operators (MTOs) are required to register and renew their operations every three years, with a fee of Rs 3,000 at a time, to maintain an organised and regulated adventure and mountaineering tourism ecosystem.

The statement said for regulated mountaineering expeditions in UT Ladakh, the MTOs are mandatorily required to obtain permits for expeditions, with fees varying based on peak altitude and group size. “The policy also limits the expedition size to 14 climbers per group and 40 climbers per peak, to avoid overcrowding and mushrooming of climbers during the mountaineering season,” it said. The statement said both policies mandate insurance coverage for participants and operators.

“Penalties will be enforced for any ATO or MTO found violating the guidelines, which may result in the cancellation of registration. Non-registered operators are not permitted to operate within the Union Territory of Ladakh,” it added.