15-day Ladakh festival from Sep 1

Srinagar, Aug 22 (UNI) The 15-day Ladakh festival, showcasing art, culture and the rich heritage of the region, would begin from September 1.

State Tourism Minister Mohammad Dilawar Mir said the events in the festival include music concerts, polo matches, archery competition, rock climbing, river rafting and camel safari.

He stressed the need for projecting Ladakh as a global tourist destination.

Mr Mir urged tour operators to motivate more and more tourists to visit the state by showcasing Ladakh at national and international tourism festivals.

Very few people outside the state knew that there were direct flights between New Delhi and Srinagar and Leh, he added.

The Minister said three development authorities were set up in Leh, Ladakh and Zanaskar with Rs 20 crore being allotted to each.

UNI