Ladakh council holds cultural fest in Manali

Tribune News Service

Mandi, September 22

The Ladakh administration is promoting the Darcha-Shinkula-Padum road to welcome tourists in hidden valleys of the union territory.

The Autonomous Hill Development Council, Kargil, organised a cultural programme at Manali in Kullu district along with the tourism stakeholders of Manali.

The Darcha-Shinkula-Padum road connects the Lahaul valley of Himachal with the remote Zanskar valley of Kargil district in Ladakh. Due to the strategic importance of this road, the BRO is constructing Darcha-Shinkula-Padum-Nimmu road to provide easy access to the Indian military to Ladakh. When the road is completed, it would be the shortest route to reach Ladakh from the Himachal side.

The construction of the road from the Lahaul side has been completed up to Padum, while work is going on to complete the construction of the Padum-Nimmu road.

The Zanskar valley is famous for its high beautiful mountains and landscape. It is one of the most unexplored spots in Ladakh. Pleasant climate, landscape, snow-capped Himalayan mountains and sparkling rivers make Zanskar valley a perfect holiday destination for tourists.

“Efforts are being made to promote tourism in Zanskar valley of Ladakh. When the road connectivity is provided, tourists will be able to access the valley to enjoy the panoramic view of nature. Monasteries, high mountains, plateaus, glaciers and flora and fauna are major attractions for tourists here,” said Punchok Tashi, an elected member of Autonomous Hill Development Council, Kargil.

“We are making efforts to promote cultural exchange with the stakeholders of Lahaul and Manali to promote tourism,” he added.

A cultural programme was recently held at Manali where Ladakhi folk dance and culture were displayed. Sub Divisional Magistrate Manali Surender Thakur appreciated the council for taking such an initiative. Punchok said that more such cultural programmes would be organised in Lahaul.