The Newly Formed Districts of Ladakh are Calling you to Explore them!

On August 26, the Ministry of Home Affairs, Amit Shah announced the formation of 5 new districts in the union territory of Ladakh. In a post on X, Amit Shah said the creation of new districts will take the benefits meant for the people to their doorsteps by bolstering governance in every nook and cranny. The new districts, namely Zanskar, Drass, Sham, Nubra and Changthang will form the basis for marking the geographical boundaries and help in better governance. Here is what these districts hold individually, from rich history to places of touristic importance. 

Zanskar - The Land of Culture

One of the most isolated parts of the Trans Himalaya region and home to the Buddhist kingdom, Zanskar is known for its rich history. This newly, formed district is known for its snow-clad mountains and scenic landscape. It is famous for its treks like the Lamayuru – Padum trek and the Chadar Trek, also known as the “Frozen River Trek”. Other than treks, Zongla, Zongkhul, and Stongdey monasteries are worth visiting in Zanskar. If you are here around January, you shouldn’t miss the Zanskar Festival, a two-day cultural festival that celebrates the region's culture, tradition, cuisine, and local handicrafts.

Drass - Gateway to Ladakh

Drass is known for its scenic beauty and is a regular place to halt for travellers taking the Leh- Kargil route. Often referred to as the “Gateway to Ladakh”, this place is known for its high-altitude trekking routes and tourist sites. One can visit places like Manman Top, Gomchan Valley, Dongchik, Ningoor Masjid, Bhimbet Stone, Draas War Memorial, Draupadi Kund, Tololing Waterfall, Tsochak Lake, Gangzla Trek and many more. 

Sham - Baby Trek of Ladakh

Sham is another district known for its high-terrain views and trails that give you a glimpse of Ladakh. Often associated with the “Sham Valley Trek” this place is a perfect spot for trekkers and tourists to take a leap of the place’s beauty. The Sham Valley Trek is also known as the “Baby Trek” to Ladakh due to its relatively low difficulty level which can even be achieved by beginners. Apart from the trek, Sham is known for its monasteries. The Alchi monastery, which is one of the notable and largest of Ladakh is a sight worth visiting while descending the trek. If you want to know the history of this Union Territory, you can see the paintings and sculptures that recreate the Kashmiri form of Buddhist representations at this shrine.  

Nubra - Valley of Orchard

The major attractions of Nubra are its majestic peaks, glaciers, enchanting valleys, and charming villages. This place is also known for having one of the highest motorable roads in the world, with Khardongla Pass situated at an elevation of 18,380 ft. In addition to the local attractions, which include Diskit and Samstanling Gonpa and the Panamik Hot Spring, the valley is popularly known as Ldumra, or the 'Valley of Orchards' or 'Valley of Flowers.' If you are an adventure seeker, you shouldn't miss the double-humped camel safari, river rafting, trekking, and sunbathing on the sand dunes at Hunder.

Changthang - Land of Nomads

Changthang, which means 'Eastern Flat Land,' is a region inhabited by nomads. If you want to experience true Ladakhi culture and learn about the nomadic way of life, this is a must-visit destination. Tso Moriri Lake and Korzok Monastery are among the highlight tourist spots here. Another notable attraction is the Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary, home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. Here, you can witness rare species such as the snow leopard, kiang (wild ass), dark-necked crane, Tibetan wolf, wild yak, bharal, brown bear, and marmot.