Ladakh’s Nubra is opened to foreigners

Nubra, the tri-armed valley northeast of Ladakh around 10,000 feet (3,048 meters) above sea level, has been thrown open to foreign tourists after the home ministry relaxed the “Protected Area Permit” rule.

J&K chief minister Mehbooba Mufti had earlier asked the MHA to open the valley to foreigners visiting other parts of Ladakh, hoping this would boost the economy of the otherwise little-developed region. The CM, expressing satisfaction, asked the tourism department to expedite approvals and initiate work on tourism infrastructure projects. Foreigners earlier had to get a permit to visit Nubra.

Since May 1, 2014 Indian citizens don’t need an “Inner Line Permit” to visit the valley. No permit is needed for most of Ladakh.