State government eased requirements for foreign travellers to visit Leh. (File)
Jammu and Kashmir government today relaxed the requirements for obtaining a Protected Area Permit (PAP) - required by foreigners to visit Leh - with the aim of encouraging tourism in the state. Under the new regime, foreigners tourists will be allowed to visit areas of Leh that were till now closed to them.
A number of places like Panamik, Hargam, Taksha, Chaglung, Kobet and also the Yarma Gonbo monastery of the Nubra Valley in Leh will now be opened for tourists, a government spokesperson said. In fact till last year, a number of these areas were closed to Indian tourists also.
Government officials believe that the Nubra Valley will be a huge draw for tourists and help boost the local economy. Situated nearly 10000 feet above sea level, the Nubra Valley is known for its breath taking beauty and is home to several varieties of the Pashmina goat valued for its fur.
The decision to open up the region to tourists has also been a long pending demand of the local residents who are looking to earnings from tourism to help substantially enhance their income.
With its natural beauty, Ladakh has emerged as a prime tourist destination in recent days, attracting both domestic and foreign travellers in significant numbers. Over the past few years the state government has taken several steps to ensure safety and security of visitors to the region.
According to the government the decision to allow tourists into hitherto restricted areas is continuation of the policy to increase economic opportunities for the local population.
Several parts of the Ladakh, and especially areas around Leh, had been off-limits to tourists given their proximity to the Chinese border.