Leh, April 24: In a major boost to cultural and heritage tourism in Ladakh, Union Minister of Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena inaugurated a grand Sound and Light Show at the historic Leh Palace. The initiative aims to enhance visitor experience while promoting Ladakh’s rich cultural and historical legacy.
The project has been implemented by the India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) under the Ministry of Tourism at a cost of Rs 8.57 crore. Officials said the project reflects the Government of India’s commitment to strengthening tourism infrastructure in heritage destinations like Ladakh and preserving culturally significant monuments.
Built in the 17th century by King Sengge Namgyal, Leh Palace served as the residence of the Namgyal dynasty and functioned as the administrative and ceremonial centre of the region. Over the centuries, it has remained a symbol of Ladakh’s political, spiritual, and cultural evolution, making it one of the region’s most iconic heritage landmarks.
The newly launched Sound and Light Show presents Ladakh’s history, architecture, and cultural heritage through modern audio-visual storytelling techniques. The immersive multimedia experience has been designed to make heritage more accessible and engaging for both domestic and international tourists. It also demonstrates how modern tourism facilities can be integrated within an Archaeological Survey of India-protected monument without compromising heritage conservation.
Speaking on the occasion, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said Ladakh, especially Leh, holds immense tourism potential and is entering a new phase of transformation. He stated that the inauguration is not just about tourism infrastructure but also about bringing the region’s history and the legacy of the Namgyal dynasty to life for visitors. He added that the show would help connect tourists with Ladakh’s past while building a bridge to its future.
Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena said the project marks an important step toward promoting sustainable cultural tourism in the Union Territory. He emphasized that the initiative would boost night-time tourism and create new opportunities for local guides, performers, transport operators, hospitality providers, and small businesses, thereby contributing to employment generation and economic growth.
He further noted that Ladakh’s natural beauty is complemented by its vibrant culture and heritage, and the administration is working to position the region as one of the country’s most sought-after tourism destinations while ensuring a world-class visitor experience.
