TTT NEWS NETWORK
LEH | 1 AUGUST 2026
In a significant initiative aimed at preserving and protecting the unique cultural and archaeological heritage of Ladakh, the Administration of Union Territory of Ladakh has notified 23 monuments, archaeological sites and heritage assets as Protected Monuments under Section 3(1) of the Jammu & Kashmir Ancient Monuments Preservation Act, Samvat 1977 (1920 A.D.), as applicable to the Union Territory of Ladakh. The notification has come into immediate effect.
The notified sites include a diverse range of heritage assets spread across the districts of Leh, Sham, Nubra, Zanskar and Kargil, comprising ancient forts, petroglyph sites, rock carvings, meditation caves, Buddhist sculptures, inscriptions and monastic heritage structures that collectively represent Ladakh’s rich civilizational history and cultural traditions.
The 23 notified sites represent a diverse and significant cross-section of Ladakh’s archaeological, historical, religious and cultural heritage. The sites include ancient petroglyph complexes at Sharnos, Domkhar, Lehdo, Alchi, Murgi and Mangmore, the renowned Maitreya Buddha Rock Carving at Shey, the historic Tingmosgang Fort and Sumoor Fort, the ancient caves of Saspol, the revered Stongday Gonpa, and a series of important Buddhist heritage sites across Nubra Valley, including meditation caves, rock-carved Buddha statues, Maitreya carvings, the Rigsum Gonbo rock sculpture, Chamba Karpo, Folong Singey, and the historic Dechen Tsomo Khar Fort. The list also includes the rock inscription at Yourbaltak in Kargil, reflecting Ladakh’s rich tradition of inscriptions, rock art, monastic heritage, meditation sites and historic fortifications. Collectively, these monuments chronicle centuries of cultural exchange, Buddhist traditions, trade networks, artistic expression and human settlement across the trans-Himalayan region, making them invaluable assets of Ladakh’s shared cultural legacy.
Speaking on the notification, Sanjit Rodrigues, IAS, Administrative Secretary, Archives, Archaeology and Museum, UT Ladakh, said “Ladakh possesses an extraordinary cultural and archaeological heritage that reflects centuries of history, faith, trade and human settlement across the trans-Himalayan region. The declaration of these sites as Protected Monuments is a landmark step towards ensuring their long-term conservation and safeguarding them for future generations. This initiative reinforces the UT Administration’s commitment towards heritage preservation while promoting greater awareness, research and responsible cultural tourism in the Union Territory.”
The declaration as Protected Monuments will provide a formal framework for conservation, protection and management of these sites, helping prevent damage, encroachment, unauthorized alterations and loss of heritage value. The initiative is also expected to strengthen efforts towards documentation, interpretation and promotion of Ladakh’s tangible cultural heritage.
The Department of Archives, Archaeology and Museum has reiterated its commitment to working closely with local communities, district administrations, heritage experts and other stakeholders to ensure that Ladakh’s invaluable heritage assets are preserved in a sustainable and culturally sensitive manner. The protection of these sites is expected to contribute significantly towards strengthening Ladakh’s identity as a destination known not only for its natural beauty but also for its rich cultural and historical legacy.
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