Srinagar, Oct. 24 -- I have visited Ladakh several times, both before and after the delimitation of the erstwhile J&K State into two Union Territories in 2019. On every occasion, the land and its people have left a unique and impressive mark on me. Despite living in one of the toughest terrains, they have set an example for others, particularly those of us living on the other side of the Himalayas, beyond the Zojila Pass.

Ladakh, without any prejudice, is among the latest regions to enter the tourism trade, having been officially opened to tourists in 1974. But, for decades, it failed to make a significant mark on India's tourism map because of its difficult terrain, hostile climate and poor connectivity, with the arduous Zojila Pass rem...