Leh, Sep 9: Tourist arrivals in Ladakh surged by over 50 per cent during the first eight months of 2026, with the Union Territory recording more visitors than it did in the entire year of 2025, according to official data.
Ladakh received 4.05 lakh tourists between January and August 2026, compared with 2.69 lakh during the corresponding period last year, registering a growth of 50.37 per cent.
The figure also surpassed the total tourist footfall of 3.35 lakh recorded in 2025 by 20.61 per cent.
Tourist arrivals witnessed a sharp rise in August, increasing from 45,201 in August 2025 to 74,753 in August 2026, a jump of 65.38 per cent.
Foreign tourist arrivals also grew significantly, rising from 25,082 during January-August 2025 to 33,346 in the same period this year, marking a growth of 32.95 per cent.
Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena attributed the growth to efforts to promote domestic tourism, infrastructure development and tourism-friendly policies.
Saxena said the administration was committed to building a sustainable and year-round tourism economy by promoting off-season festivals and events.
He said such initiatives would create livelihood opportunities for local youth, artisans and homestay operators while providing visitors with a peaceful and affordable experience.
