The annual Silk Route Festival, a two-day event held in Sumoor in the Nubra Valley, concluded with great fanfare, attracting hundreds of locals and tourists, including foreigners.
The festival began on June 29, with highlights such as the camel safari at the Sand Dune Leisure Park in Sumoor. The festival showcased the rich culture and traditions of Ladakh through captivating performances by artists and locals.
Members of the Leh Hill Development Council (LADHC), including Sandup Tsering, councillor from Panamik, and Rigzin Lundup, attended the event.
It promoted village life and culture, with villagers setting up stalls offering traditional food and artefacts and performing folk dances in traditional costumes. Sumoor, located about 100 km from Leh, is accessible via the mountainous route that passes through Khardung La, the world’s highest motorable road.
Nubra is renowned for its double-humped Bactrian camel safaris, and the festival included camel rides to promote Ladakhi culture and tourism in the Nubra Valley.
Various cultural shows and entertainment programs featured performances by local people. A large number of participants, including those who enjoyed camel rides, attended the event.
Nubra is a significant destination on the historic Silk Route, where caravans from Central Asia used to halt for rest before continuing their journey.
The festival showcased traditional Ladakhi handicrafts, with artisans displaying their intricate work.
Workshops on local crafts and traditions allowed visitors to engage with and learn about the cultural heritage of the region. The festival also featured a photographic exhibition capturing the breathtaking landscapes and vibrant life of Ladakh.
Local musicians and dancers, dressed in vibrant traditional attire, performed various folk dances such as the Jabro and Shondol, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Tourists and locals alike participated in the festival, creating a sense of community and celebration.
The event not only boosted local tourism but also provided an economic lift to the villagers by promoting their crafts, food, and traditions.
The Silk Route Festival is a testament to the enduring cultural legacy of Ladakh and its role in connecting different parts of the world through the historic Silk Route.
