Did you ever imagine that this would happen? I never did!
For the sake of boosting tourism in the region authorities have announced that places that were earlier forbidden for tourist visit will now be made accessible to them.
Have you ever wanted to explore Marsimik La, Tsogtsalo and Chang Chenmo regions? Well, now you can (among other places).
Marsimik La
Located at an elevation of 18,314 feet, this high mountain pass is also known as Lankar La. Despite the pass being at such a high altitude, accessing it is not difficult during the summers and early autumn.
Tsogtsalo
Placed close to India’s border with China in the Ladakh region, this pasture and campsite region is located at the confluence of the Rimdi Chu river that cascades from Marsimik La the Chang Chenmo River.
Chang Chenmo
Named after the Chang Chenmo River, a tributary of the Shyok River that flows through the region. The Chang Chenmo region also includes Chang Chenmo Kangri which is a mountain peak at 21,444 feet above sea level!
Exploring these places that previously prohibited tourists from venturing will now allow them to bike to these strategic and barred places that are close to the patrolling points of Pangong Lake in Ladakh. Accordingly to sources, tourists will now be permitted to explore as high as 18314 ft in Marsimik La (pass) up to Tsogtsalo which are set in the vicinity of the LAC (line of actual control) with China. This is phase one of the arrangement.
In phase two, travellers will be allowed to venture a little further – to the hot springs and a memorial that was built in honour of 10 CRPF jawans who were killed on the 21st of October 1959 by the Chinese.
Responding to the queries from TOI, the Indian Army HQ state that they recommended the opening of a number of treks and routes that included Marsimik La, in addition to places like Hot Spring and Tsogt Salo.” While officials also stated that administration had prepared plans for selfie points and medical centres in January, senior officials confirmed that Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has been involved for the construction with district funding and the police are ready to erect check posts.
The border area of Ladakh has been off-limits to tourists for a long time and for a good reason. How many of you think that accessibility to these previously restricted areas is a good thing? And how many of you think that this decision should be reconsidered?
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