Ladakh&rsquo;s tourism sector has been badly affected in the wake of the recent unrest in Leh, dealing another blow to the Union Territory already reeling from the April Pahalgam attack.
The situation worsened after the arrest of activist Sonam Wangchuk, which triggered widespread protests and clashes in Leh on September 24. 
Violence during a shutdown called by a Leh Apex Body constituent left at least four people dead and over 150 injured. 
Authorities have since imposed an indefinite curfew in Leh town, with mobile and internet services suspended, leaving many tourists stranded.
Stakeholders report mass cancellations of bookings. 
&ldquo;For the past week, we have been facing daily cancellations. The closure of the town has also caused a shortage of goods,&rdquo; said Naseeb Singh, a hotel manager who has been working in Leh for nearly 10 years. 
He added that this is the first time he has seen such turmoil in the otherwise peaceful region.
Local transporter Rigzin Dorjey noted that the sector had already been struggling since the April 22 Pahalgam attack, which claimed 26 lives and escalated tensions between India and Pakistan. 
&ldquo;Tourism had just begun to pick up after Operation Sindoor, but last week&rsquo;s incident has hit us hard again,&rdquo; he said.
A hotelier, requesting anonymity, added that residents and stakeholders are praying for a quick return to normalcy as &ldquo;every day of uncertainty means lost income for thousands of families who depend on tourism.&rdquo;
Meanwhile, tourists caught in the curfew are struggling with basic needs. 
&ldquo;When I arrived, everything was shut. I couldn&rsquo;t even exchange my currency or buy food. I had planned to visit Pangong Lake, but I couldn&rsquo;t get the permit,&rdquo; said Sheena, a tourist from Taiwan.
A tourist from Delhi echoed similar concerns, saying she was disappointed to find markets closed and internet services down. 
Another visitor remarked, &ldquo;We came here to see the mountains and monasteries, but now we&rsquo;re stuck in our rooms. Everyone is simply hoping peace returns soon.&rdquo;

Tourists Stranded Amid Curfew In Leh Town

Protests, curfew leave tourists stranded as Ladakh’s tourism reels from fresh cancellation

Leh Unrest, Curfew Cripple Ladakh Tourism Sector

Protests, curfew leave tourists stranded as Ladakh’s tourism reels from fresh cancellation

September 29, 2025 | 17:55 IST