Shillong, September 29: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has given the green light to the Ladakh tourism department’s request, allowing international tourists to stay overnight in the villages of Hanle, Marsimik, and Sko Valley. These areas were previously restricted to domestic visitors only.
Hanle, a high-altitude settlement recognized as a Dark Sky Reserve by the Wildlife Department of the UT Administration of Ladakh, was previously off-limits to foreign tourists. However, this new approval opens its doors to visitors from around the world.
Additionally, the Ladakh tourism department proposed the opening of Marsimik and Sko Valley for tourism and trekking, and after repeated follow-ups, the MHA communicated on September 14 that it had given its nod to this proposal. This decision is expected to boost tourism and hiking activities in these regions.
The expansion of Dark Sky tourism in recent years, coupled with the opening of Hanle and other scenic spots to both domestic and international visitors, is poised to bring a significant tourism influx to the area.
