Siachen base camp now a tourist zone, Galwan Valley to open on June 15

SRINAGAR: With the early opening of Zojila Pass - which connects the UT of Ladakh with the rest of the country - the Siachen base camp is now open for tourists, Tashi Gyalson, chief executive councillor of Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, Leh, said on Monday. He said tourists wouldn't require prior authorisation or an NOC to visit the base camp.

Gyalson added that Galwan Valley - the highlight of Ladakh's tourism, access to which is currently restricted - will be opened via Shyok village for visitors on June 15. "This will be the first time Galwan Valley will be open for tourists," the CEC said. The opening will coincide with the fifth anniversary of 2020 Galwan Valley clashes.

On April 1, 2025, Border Roads Organisation reopened Zojila Pass for traffic after a 32-day closure. BRO had described this year's early reopening of the pass as an achievement, given the extreme weather conditions.

CEC Gyalson said the early opening of Zojila pass offered a window to open places of tourism, including Siachen base camp, early.