Author: The Dispatch Staff

Nestled in the heart of Leh town, Leh Market is not just a shopping destination but a vibrant reflection of Ladakh’s culture and heritage. This bustling market, stretching along the main bazaar area near the Leh Palace and Shanti Stupa, offers an immersive experience where tradition and modernity blend seamlessly. https://youtube.com/shorts/Y_eXJJnX4kk?feature=share The market is renowned for its local handicrafts, showcasing the skill and artistry of Ladakhi artisans. Handwoven carpets, intricately designed Thangka paintings, and traditional jewelry are abundant, each piece reflecting centuries of cultural heritage. Visitors can explore a variety of Pashmina shawls, renowned worldwide for their softness, warmth, and…

Leh: Ladakh’s centuries-old cultural and spiritual heritage found a prominent place on the national stage after Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted contributions from Hemis Monastery during his latest address of Mann Ki Baat, drawing attention to the region’s invaluable manuscript tradition. Speaking about the ongoing Gyan Bharatam Survey, an initiative aimed at documenting and preserving India’s vast repository of ancient manuscripts, the Prime Minister cited Hemis Monastery as a key contributor. He noted that the monastery has shared information about rare Tibetan manuscripts, underscoring Ladakh’s role in safeguarding Buddhist literary heritage. The Gyan Bharatam Survey, which is open to public…

Leh stands at a critical juncture where rapid urbanisation and rising tourist inflow are beginning to strain its fragile infrastructure and cultural fabric. The recent focus on improving civic amenities in the town highlights an urgent and necessary shift toward planned urban management in Ladakh’s most prominent urban centre. Cleanliness, proper drainage, organised markets and efficient waste management are no longer optional—they are essential for sustaining both the quality of life for residents and the experience for visitors. However, what makes Leh unique is its centuries-old heritage, reflected in its architecture, narrow lanes and cultural spaces. Any attempt at modernisation…

Leh, Mar 28: Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari has announced the approval of a ₹1,196.22 crore tunnel project at Fotu La Pass in Ladakh, aimed at ensuring safer and all-weather connectivity on the crucial Srinagar–Leh highway. Sharing the update on social media, Gadkari said the project involves construction of a unidirectional twin-tube tunnel along with approach roads across Fotu La on National Highway-01. The highway, which connects Uri, Srinagar and Leh, passes through Fotu La at an altitude of around 4,108 metres, making it the highest point on the route. 📢Ladakh🛣️ In the Union Territory of…

Leh: In a tragic incident, at least six persons lost their lives after a powerful avalanche struck a passenger vehicle at Zoji La Pass on Friday, officials said. A senior official said that the vehicle came under a massive snow slide along the high-altitude pass, leading to the death of all six occupants on the spot. Soon after the incident, rescue teams rushed to the site and launched a massive operation to retrieve the bodies and clear the debris. Authorities said efforts are underway to restore traffic movement on the strategic highway connecting Kashmir with Ladakh. Reacting to the incident,…

Leh: The Agriculture & Allied Students Union of Ladakh (AASUL) has welcomed the transfer of Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) to the University of Ladakh, terming it a major milestone for the Union Territory’s agricultural and academic landscape. In a statement, AASUL said the move ends a long-pending demand that dates back to 2019, when Ladakh became a separate Union Territory. While most institutions were transferred after the reorganisation, six units of SKUAST-Kashmir located in Ladakh had continued under its control. The union noted that significant progress was made in 2024 with the transfer of two research stations in Leh and…

Leh: Amid concerns triggered by the temporary closure of the strategic Zojila Pass and disruptions in fuel supply routes, the Union Territory administration has issued a strong reassurance to the public, stating that Ladakh has adequate reserves of petroleum products and there is no need for panic buying or hoarding. Secretary, Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Rahul Sharma, informed that Ladakh currently holds petrol and diesel stock sufficient for approximately 62 days. While some fuel tankers remain stranded near Sonamarg due to road closure, officials expect their arrival shortly once movement resumes. He further stated that LPG reserves in…

Leh: Ladakh, known for its breathtaking landscapes and bustling summer tourism, witnessed a sharp downturn in visitor numbers in 2025, raising concerns over the region’s tourism-dependent economy. https://youtube.com/shorts/Ks1JjrDdUFs?feature=share Official data presented in the Lok Sabha indicates that tourist arrivals to the Union Territory declined by nearly 50 percent compared to the previous year, marking one of the most significant slowdowns in recent times. The impact was most severe in Kargil district, where domestic tourist footfall dropped by nearly 70 percent. In 2024, Kargil had recorded over 3.2 lakh domestic visitors, but in 2025 the number fell drastically to just over…

Leh: With less than two months to go for one of the most significant spiritual gatherings in the region’s recent history, preparations for the Sacred Exposition of the Holy Relics of Tathagata Buddha have gathered momentum in Ladakh. The second UT-Level Coordination Committee meeting, chaired by Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra at the Hill Council Conference Hall in Leh, laid out an extensive roadmap for the smooth conduct of the event scheduled from May 1 to May 14, 2026. The exposition, being organised under the theme “Peace in times of Conflict,” is poised to become a defining moment for Ladakh’s spiritual…

Leh: Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena on Saturday directed officials to prepare a comprehensive plan for creating at least 50 small water bodies across Ladakh to address the region’s growing water challenges. During a meeting with Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra, the LG asked the administration to identify suitable locations and submit a detailed action plan within 15 days. The proposed initiative aims to tackle water scarcity faced by people in the high-altitude region, particularly farmers who depend on limited water resources for irrigation. Saxena said the creation of small water bodies would provide a reliable source of water for agricultural fields and support roadside…

Leh, March 14: Even as Ladakh’s Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena urged people to avoid protests and resolve issues through dialogue, the Leh Apex Body (LAB) has reiterated its plan to hold a massive peaceful rally in Leh on March 16 to press for Ladakh’s long-pending demands and seek fresh talks with the Centre. In a statement issued after the Union Government revoked the detention of  Sonam Wangchuk under the National Security Act, the Lieutenant Governor welcomed the decision and described it as a positive step toward fostering peace, stability and mutual trust in Ladakh. Saxena emphasised that Ladakh has…

Leh : The Union government on Saturday revoked the preventive detention of climate activist and education reformer Sonam Wangchuk under the National Security Act with immediate effect, nearly six months after he was taken into custody following violent protests in Leh over Ladakh’s political demands. According to an official statement issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs, the decision was taken after reviewing the circumstances of the case and considering that Wangchuk had already completed nearly half of the maximum permissible period of detention under the stringent preventive law. The Centre said the revocation of the detention order was part…

By Bharat Nanda SKARDU/GILGIT – While the global attention is focussed on the Middle East turmoil where US and Israel are engaging with Iran, a systemic and intimate slaughter is being carried out in the shadowed valleys of Gilgit-Baltistan (GB). Over the last five days, the Pakistan Army’s Force Command Northern Areas (FCNA) has transformed this beautiful region into an isolation camp, silencing the voices of thousands who dared to stand in solidarity with their spiritual kin. Under the garb of regional instability, the Pakistan government and FCNA have launched a brutal campaign to stifle dissent and erase the political…

Leh/Moscow: Changra Ladakh showcased the rich heritage of authentic Ladakhi Pashmina at the prestigious “Bharat Utsav – Festival of India” held in Moscow, Russia. The international cultural festival was organised by the Embassy of India in Russia in collaboration with the Moscow City Government to promote India’s traditional crafts, culture and artistic excellence. During the festival, Changra Ladakh presented its exquisite collection of genuine Ladakhi Pashmina products, highlighting the region’s centuries-old weaving traditions and craftsmanship. The participation provided a global platform to introduce international audiences to the elegance, warmth and unique quality of authentic Himalayan Pashmina. Pashmina is derived from the fine undercoat…

Leh : In a significant administrative reshuffle, the President of India has appointed Vinai Kumar Saxena as the new Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, while Kavinder Gupta has been appointed as the Governor of Himachal Pradesh. The appointments come as part of a broader administrative reshuffle announced by the Centre. Saxena, who has been serving as the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, will now take charge as the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh. Vinai Kumar Saxena assumed office as the Delhi LG in May 2022 and has since overseen several governance and administrative initiatives in the national capital. Before entering the role of…

Leh: Member of Parliament from Ladakh, Mohammad Haneefa has taken up the issue of Indian nationals, including residents of Ladakh, stranded in Iran with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), seeking urgent measures for their safe evacuation. Today, I held a detailed meeting with the Joint Secretary, PAI Division, Ministry of External Affairs, regarding Indian nationals including residents of Ladakh stranded in Iran. We discussed the safe evacuation of pilgrims, students, tullabs and all others affected. The Joint… — Mohmad Haneefa (@Haneefa_Jan) March 2, 2026 In a post shared on social media, the MP informed that he held a detailed…

Leh: In a major push toward clean energy and household-level power generation, the Ladakh Power Development Department (LPDD) has invited bids for the installation of rooftop solar systems ranging from 1 kW to 3 kW across up to 7,000 residential households in the Union Territory. The initiative will be implemented under the central government’s PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana and follows a utility-led aggregation model in partnership with renewable energy service companies. The programme is aimed at reducing dependence on conventional power sources while helping residents lower their electricity bills through solar generation. According to the tender…

Kargil: BJP’s Kargil district unit observed Samarpan Diwas on Tuesday to commemorate the birth anniversary of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya, remembering his philosophy of Integral Humanism and its influence on the party’s ideology. The programme was held at the BJP District Office in Kurbathang, where party leaders and workers paid floral tributes and recalled Upadhyaya’s contributions to Indian political thought. District President Assadullah Munshi, UT Ladakh BJP State Secretary Ali Chandan, Haj Committee UT Ladakh Chairman Mohd Ali Majaz, nominated councillor Gurmeth, Mandal presidents and party workers were present on the occasion. Speakers highlighted Upadhyaya’s emphasis on self-reliance, social harmony and…

Leh: Ladakh is set to become an even bigger hub for astronomy in India, with the government approving two new state-of-the-art telescopes and the upgrade of an existing observatory in the region. The move comes in this year’s Union Budget and is expected to strengthen India’s position in observational astronomy, both nationally and globally. The National Large Solar Telescope (NLST), planned in the Merak region near Pangong Tso, will be a 2-metre aperture solar telescope. Operating in visible and near-infrared wavelengths, NLST will allow scientists to study solar dynamics, magnetism, and energetic solar events, while also tracking space-weather processes that…

Leh: The 13th Battalion of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) Mountain Rescue Team carried out a detailed inspection of ice conditions at Pangong Lake, Leh, in preparation for the upcoming Frozen Marathon. The exercise, conducted jointly with the Union Territory Disaster Response Force (UTDRF) and local civil administration authorities, aimed to assess the stability and safety of the proposed marathon route across the frozen lake. Officials focused on measuring ice thickness and identifying any potential hazards to ensure the safety of participants. Authorities said that such inspections are critical for extreme winter events in high-altitude regions like Ladakh,…