Ladakh Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena on Saturday said the Union Territory has witnessed a historic surge in tourist arrivals this year, recording growth of more than 43% during the first five months of 2026.Saxena said the increase in visitor numbers reflected the success of efforts to position Ladakh as a premier tourism destination. Ladakh remains one of the most sought-after destinations in the Himalayas, particularly during the summer season."Delighted to share that Ladakh has witnessed a historic surge in tourist arrivals this year, reflecting the success of our sustained efforts to position Ladakh as a premier tourism destination," he said.According to official data, May 2026 emerged as a landmark month for tourism in Ladakh, recording a 121.2% jump in arrivals, with 72,834 tourists visiting the region compared with 32,927 in May 2025.Between January and May 2026, Ladakh received 1,17,546 tourists, up from 81,827 during the corresponding period last year, registering year-on-year growth of 43.65%."Prime Minister Narendra Modi's appeal to promote domestic tourism, coupled with our efforts to strengthen infrastructure, improve connectivity and diversify tourism experiences, has contributed to this surge...," Saxena said.He thanked visitors to Ladakh and invited people from across the country to experience the region's blend of nature, adventure, culture, spirituality and pristine environment.