Opinion | Indian Army, with its efforts towards border tourism in Kargil District

From war memorials to cherished memories, the Indian Army has transformed sites of victory into living monuments. These tributes have immortalised the sacrifices of Kargil’s heroes, turning the soil of Kargil into one of the world’s most powerful reminders of courage and patriotism.

The first things that come to mind the moment the name ‘Kargil’ is heard are the 1999 war, the Line of Control, the movie LOC Kargil, and the bloodshed at the hands of Pakistan’s betrayal. While these are deeply embedded in our hearts and the national consciousness of the nation, there is another side of Kargil, no less significant and much sweeter, if we are willing to look a bit more closely and with an open heart.

Located on the Line of Control (LoC) with Pakistan, Kargil is situated in the centre of Ladakh and is not only important from a military strategy and sacrifice perspective but also a symbol of a land of peace, adventure, and scenic beauty. The location has been symbolised with military confrontation and geopolitical sensibility in the context of cross-border tensions; however, over the last few years, the Indian Army has made strategic and pro-active attempts to rebrand this by encouraging peace-building efforts, facilitating and promoting tourism, and empowering women in this strategically located and culturally rich area. The location, therefore, deserves to be reintroduced to the world not merely as a battlefield, but as a land of peace, resilience, and natural beauty.

The difficult terrain, harsh climate, and lack of connectivity have hindered the development of Kargil for long; however, the Indian Army has initiated dynamic efforts as part of a broad-based civil-military collaboration for national integration, socio-economic development, and stabilisation of sensitive border areas. The Indian Army presence has not only secured frontiers but also filled significant infrastructural and administrative gaps in remote villages. Recognising its role beyond defence, the Army has increasingly focused on “hearts and minds” operations, one of the innovative approaches followed by the Indian Army in Kashmir, namely Operation Sadbhavana. This strategy aims to gain the trust and cooperation of local people, thereby counteracting alienation and radicalisation.

The more popular Leh area has traditionally surpassed tourism in the Kargil region. However, the Indian Army, in collaboration with local administrations and civil society groups, has taken significant steps to harness the tourism potential of the area, as their contribution is immense in opening the place to the concept of “War Tourism” by preserving and promoting sites associated with the Kargil War. The Kargil War Memorial in Dras, dedicated to the memory of the soldiers who laid down their lives during the 1999 war in Operation Vijay has become a symbol of valour, attracting thousands of visitors annually. The Army organises guided tours and memorial services, helping visitors understand the sacrifices of the armed forces while boosting the local economy through increased footfall.

Through Operation Sadbhavana (Goodwill), the Army has carried out road and communication upgrades, bringing erstwhile inaccessible regions within reach and converting them into tourist destinations of interest. For instance, roads connecting far-flung villages under initiatives like the Kargil-Hambotingla-Batalik Road and the Batalik-Khalse Road link the border villages situated alongside the LoC, enabling homestay tourism and contact with the local population.

The Army has promoted eco-tourism and adventure tourism through activities such as trekking, river rafting on the Suru River, and high-altitude mountain biking. Collaborative efforts with organisations such as the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) and tourism administrations identified scenic trails along Zanskar and Suru valleys, exposing tourists to new high-altitude experiences with Army logistics and medical support in the event of an emergency. The Army supports cultural festivals such as the Suru Valley Festival and Kargil Ladakh Tourism Festival, which showcase local music, dance, handicrafts, and cuisine. These festivals, typically conducted in collaboration with the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) and the Union Territory Administration, promote intercultural exchange and increase visibility for local artisans. The most significant and landmark contribution is provided by the War Memorial tourism, which earns an estimated ₹ five crore per annum for the local economy.

In June 2023, the Army’s Fire and Fury Corps, in collaboration with the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) Kargil, opened Point 13620 to the public, offering a stunning view of Kargil town. The point, which was a crucial location during the 1999 war, offers scenic views and is visited by Army personnel who reminisce about the war, especially the recapture of Tiger Hill. Interactive exhibits have been added to the Kargil War Memorial to enhance the public’s engagement, a move welcomed by the Army as part of its new border tourism initiative, announced by Chief of Army Staff Upendra Dwivedi in November 2024. General Dwivedi addressed students at Savitribai Phule Pune University, stating that the Army is attempting to change people’s perception of Jammu and Kashmir from “terrorism” to “tourism,” and Kargil is at the forefront. Over the last few years, the Army Adventure Wing has conducted and organised over 42 adventure tours, which are safe and easy for tourists, with strong safety measures in place.

The efforts of the Army are opening up new channels to sustainable development. In 2025, eco-tourism camps in the Zanskar Valley introduced zero-waste and solar-powered huts, catering to environmentally conscious tourists. Winter sports, such as skiing in Dras, are planned to make Kargil a year-round destination. A social media campaign in 2025, “Discover Kargil,” reached millions, attracting youth and foreign tourists. Travel blogs with travel influencers have brought to the forefront destinations like the Aryan Valley, famous for its Dardic heritage. Educational tourism is gaining momentum, with schools and universities incorporating history-focused tours into their curriculum, complemented by lectures from veterans. The Army’s “Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan” initiative, launched in January 2025, includes Kargil in 75 forward locations for battlefield tourism, intending to create awareness and nationalism. Road and airstrip development have improved connectivity, with the Army upgrading 4,400 km of roads in border areas in the last five years.

The Army’s long-term plan is to connect Kargil to India’s broader tourism network, including Leh and Srinagar, through joint marketing and infrastructure development. A tourism centre with information, to be established in 2026 in Kargil town, will enhance the tourist experience. The Army and LAHDC aim to double tourist visitor arrivals by 2030, capitalising on Kargil’s unique blend of adventure, culture, and history. This security-development-conservation model can be adapted for other border states, such as Arunachal Pradesh or Sikkim.

Balancing medical infrastructure issues, the Army has established mobile ambulances and emergency medical aid stations on busy tourist routes, providing first aid and evacuation services on high-altitude treks. Army field units also assist stranded travellers in snow or landslide areas—rescuing them, offering food and shelter, and offering safe passage when commercial means are not available.

For eco-friendly rural tourism, homestay training courses, developed in association with NABARD, have helped rural women and youth establish environmentally friendly restaurants and hotels. The mobile restaurant concept, which operates during religious festivals and tourist seasons, has promoted diverse culinary habits and provided income for small entrepreneurs.

The Army is also tackling logistics and information problems using digital solutions. A new mobile tourism software, launched in 2025, enables users to travel to locations with interactive maps, guided tours of historical sites, and real-time weather information. Plans are in place to enhance communication networks with VSAT coverage and Army-run relay stations at high-altitude locations, aiming to reduce black spots and improve response times during emergencies.

By integrating Kargil into the larger Indian tourist circuit along with Leh and Srinagar, the Army is considering a sustainable, safe, community-driven border tourism model. The Tourism Information Centre, to be established in Kargil by 2026, will serve as a base for tourists, providing access to guides, maps, medical assistance, and emergency contacts.

General Upendra Dwivedi’s dream of “terrorism to tourism” is no mere phrase—it is becoming a reality at the grassroots level through a combination of infrastructural development, cultural conservation, relief work, and environmentally friendly growth. Kargil, once a war front, is now a symbol of determination, patriotism, and peaceful progress, thanks to the Indian Army’s unrelenting and visionary efforts.

The mission and work never stop, as there is still a long way to go, even in the presence of obstacles encountered internally and externally by the nation. The Indian Army is prepared to face any obstacle and tackle any problem. The Indian Army’s response in Kargil is an expression of a comprehensive notion of national security that extends beyond the use of military power, encompassing development, empowerment, and integration. By promoting border tourism and empowering women, the Army is not only rewriting Kargil’s socio-economic landscape but also enhancing the pride, strength, and opportunities of India’s border-dwelling communities.

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