SRINAGAR: Ladakh recorded 4,60,667 tourist arrivals between January and September 2026, marking a 65.38 per cent increase over the 2,78,599 visitors received during the corresponding period last year, according to figures released by the Lieutenant Governor’s administration.
The Union Territory received 55,582 tourists in September 2026, compared with 34,610 in the same month in 2025, registering a year-on-year rise of 60.60 per cent.
The total arrivals during the first nine months of the current year have already exceeded the 3,35,872 tourists recorded throughout 2025 by 37.16 per cent, with three months remaining in the year.
The increase was recorded across both domestic and international segments. Ladakh received 4,20,927 domestic tourists and 39,740 foreign visitors between January and September 2026, compared with 3,03,838 domestic tourists and 32,034 foreign visitors during the same period in 2025.
Domestic arrivals consequently increased by around 38.54 per cent, while foreign tourist numbers grew by 24.06 per cent.
In September alone, domestic tourist arrivals rose to 49,188 from 29,888 a year earlier. Foreign arrivals also increased, reaching 6,394 against 4,722 in September 2025.
Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena attributed the growth to improved connectivity, tourism-related events and new attractions introduced in the region.
He cited events such as Ladakh Bike Week, the Ladakh Marathon and various festivals, alongside initiatives including the development of high-altitude Lilium flower fields and the introduction of what the administration describes as India’s first high-altitude wildlife safari.
Saxena stressed the need to expand tourism beyond the traditional summer peak by promoting events and festivals during shoulder and off-season periods.
“Our aim is to encourage travel during shoulder and off-season periods, diversifying the tourism economy and creating more sustained livelihood opportunities for local residents. The Administration’s focus is not limited to increasing visitor numbers, but also on ensuring that tourism growth translates into tangible benefits for local communities,” he said.
The administration has sought to broaden Ladakh’s tourism calendar through sporting competitions, cultural programmes and festivals, including the Ladakh Festival, Ladakh Marathon, Ladakh Bike Week and Ladakh Zanskar Festival.
These events are intended to attract visitors interested in the region’s culture, traditions, landscapes and adventure tourism, while supporting more sustained economic opportunities for local communities.
