Ladakh: Siachen Base Camp Opens for Tourists, Galwan Valley to Welcome Visitors from June 15
Leh, 29th April 2025: In a major boost to Ladakh’s tourism, the Siachen base camp has now been opened for tourists without the need for prior authorization or a no-objection certificate (NOC), officials announced on Monday. The move follows the early reopening of the Zojila Pass, which connects Ladakh with the rest of India.
Tashi Gyalson, Chief Executive Councillor (CEC) of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), Leh, confirmed the development, saying, “For the first time, tourists can visit the Siachen base camp freely. There is no requirement for any NOC or special permission.”
Gyalson also revealed that the Galwan Valley, which has so far remained out of bounds for visitors, will open to tourists via Shyok village from June 15. “This will mark the first occasion that Galwan Valley is accessible to tourists. The opening has been planned to coincide with the fifth anniversary of the Galwan clashes in 2020,” he said.
The Zojila Pass was reopened by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) on April 1 after being shut for 32 days due to severe weather conditions. BRO officials had termed this year’s early opening a significant achievement, considering the extreme cold and heavy snow.
Highlighting the opportunity created by the early reopening, Gyalson said, “The early restoration of Zojila Pass has given us the chance to kick-start tourism activities sooner than usual. Siachen base camp and soon Galwan Valley will add to Ladakh’s growing list of tourist attractions.”
The opening of these strategic and sensitive locations is expected to draw significant interest from both domestic and international tourists eager to explore Ladakh’s remote and historic landscapes.
