KARGIL, APRIL 08, 2021: As a part of the series of programs held as a part of 1st ever Apricot Blossom-Chuli Mendoq Festival, a colorful event was organized by the Department of Tourism Kargil UT Ladakh at Darchiks village here today.

Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC), Kargil Tsering Motup, Assistant Director (AD), Tourism Kargil Aga Syed Taha, General Manager District Industries Centre (DIC) Iftikhar Ahmad, In Charge Police Post Batalik Sultan Wazir, President ALTOA Tsetan Angchuk, President All Ladakh Guest House and Hotel Association Tsering Delaks, domestic and forgein tourists and bloggers, Sarpanchs, Panchs, folk artists and good number of villagers were present on the occasion. 

ADC Kargil Tsering Motup while speaking on the occasion said that the Aryan belt of Kargil has a unique heritage and culture which has immense potential to attract the tourists from across the globe.

The ADC further said that the Administration is committed to take all necessary efforts to bring Aryan valley on the national and international tourism map, adding that requisite measures are being taken by the Tourism Department to build the best infrastructure and provide the basic facilities like home stays, hotels, lavatories and cafeterias on this route.

AD Tourism Aga Syed Taha said that the main aim behind organizing this festival is to extend the tourism season and making Ladakh an all weather destination.

He stressed that after establishment of home stays, proper hospitality of tourists should be taken into consideration.

Presidents of All Ladakh Tour Operators’ Association and All Ladakh Guest House and Hotel Association highlighted the role of tour operators in promotion for making Ladakh all weather tourism destination and said that necessary measures are being taken by the tour operators to promote tourism sector in Ladakh.

Meanwhile, colorful cultural performances were presented by artists of Darchiks, Bodh Kharboo and students of Government Middle School Gargardoo.
The Apricot Blossom Festival is simultaneously being held in both Leh and Kargil district from 6th to 18th of April, 2021.

In Kargil the festival is scheduled to be held in Darchiks, Garkone, Sanjak, Hardass, and Karkichoo while in Leh the festival is scheduled in villages of Dha, Biama, Turtuk, and Tyakshi.

The festival will feature viewing of apricot blossoms, cultural programmes, plays/skits besides display of apricot and other apricot products.

Pertinently, the apricot flower bloom signifies the onset of summer after the long and harsh winter of Ladakh. During this period, settlements in the western belt of Ladakh are covered with a white sheet of flowers.

The Apricot, known as Chulli /Halmann in Ladakhi, was introduced to the arid region of Ladakh over a century ago by Chinese traders passing through the area via the Silk Route.

Now, in the 21st century, the fruit has become an integral part of Ladakh’s culture, heritage and economy.