Indians will soon be able to cruise their 4x4s or launch biking blitz through some forbidden land in the strategic Chang Chenmo sector close to patrolling points north of Pangong lake in eastern Ladakh, even as the border standoff with China is into its fourth year now.
Tourists would be permitted to cross the 18,314-foot-high Marsimik La (pass) up to Tsogtsalo in the first phase, according to sources. Tsogtsalo is a pasture land close to the junction of the Rimdi Chu and Chang Chenmo rivers about 160 km east of Leh, close to the LAC (line of actual control) with China that runs north of Pangong.
In the second phase, tourists will be allowed to travel up to Hot Springs, further up from Tsogtsalu, and the memorial built in honour of 10 CRPF jawans martyred on October 21, 1959 when their patrol was attacked by the Chinese. The Indian Army, usually hesitant in such cases, is on board. “Indian Army endorsed the opening of a number of treks and routes including Marsimik La, in addition to other places such as Hot Spring and Tsogtsalo,” the Army HQ said.
The Ladakh government aims to open these latest frontier areas to tourists as part of the Center's focus on border area development. Locals who had previously travelled these territories with their herds had also been waiting for it patiently. The inner line permit system for Indians was scrapped in August 2021 but areas close to the disputed parts of LAC remain out of bounds for visitors.
However, this time, after two discussions the local Army brass had with senior government officials in December 2022, clearance was granted fast. According to sources, the administration wanted to start opening up the territories in April, but a change of guard at the local formation delayed things down.