Roots and Routes: A Ladakhi Journey Towards Sustainable Tourism!

Breaking Ground in the High Himalayas
In the vast and remote region of Ladakh, nestled in the Himalayas, two pioneering women set out to transform the way the world experiences their homeland. As Ladakh’s first female tour operators, Lobzang Tsendol and Kunzes Angmo, the Co-founders of Royal Explorers began their journey not with a business plan, but with an unshakeable love for their land and a desire to share its authentic spirit with the world.

“We never set out to start a company,” mentions Kunzes Angmo. “It began with guiding travelers in our free time by just sharing what we knew and loved. But something clicked. We realized there was so much more to Ladakh than what visitors were seeing.”

Tourism as a Cultural Bridge
Their foray into tourism started informally, guiding curious travelers during their free time. What they quickly discovered was the immense power of storytelling. Tourism, they realized, was more than an industry. It was a bridge. A bridge between cultures, between modernity and tradition, and between the outside world and Ladakh’s deeply rooted heritage. What began as a passion project soon evolved into a mission: to become storytellers of the real Ladakh. “Tourism became our way to build bridges,” says Lobzang Tsendol. “Not just between travelers and Ladakh, but between tradition and opportunity, Between the old ways and new livelihoods.”

Challenging Norms: Pioneering Women in a Male-Dominated Industry
When Royal Explorers was founded in 1994, it was a radical move. The tourism sector in Ladakh was heavily male-dominated, and the idea of women leading treks or running a travel agency was met with resistance. Lobzang Tsendol recalls an incident where, “People asked why we’d leave ‘respectable’ career options behind. Some said we were just being reckless. But we weren’t trying to prove anything. We didn’t follow trends or expectations. We followed something that felt fundamentally true to us.” Many urged them to choose more conventional, “safe” careers, and societal skepticism was palpable. Questions about their capabilities and appropriateness for the job were common. Yet, they stood firm. Relying on each other for strength, they educated themselves through books and hands-on experiences, carving out a space in an industry that had never seen women in such roles before.

Earning Respect Through Resilience
Their perseverance paid off. By staying true to their values—professionalism, integrity, and authenticity, they earned the respect of clients and community alike. Over time, what was once resistance transformed into admiration, proving that commitment and credibility could challenge and change cultural norms.

Crafting Authentic Experiences Rooted in Ladakhi Heritage
The founders’ unique perspective as Ladakhi women deeply influenced how they designed and led tourism initiatives. They focused on storytelling and genuine cultural exchange, not superficial sightseeing. Royal Explorers’ itineraries venture into remote villages, offer shared meals in family homes, and provide context-rich experiences that connect travelers with the land and its people. This model not only enriches the visitor experience but also ensures tourism leaves a positive imprint on local communities.

Community-Led Tourism: A Model for Empowerment
This vision of community-led tourism has led to tangible change. One powerful example is the story of Tsering Dolma from Changspa village. Initially dependent on subsistence farming, Tsering embraced the opportunity to host a homestay. With support and training from Royal Explorers, she welcomed travelers into her traditional home, offering them immersive experiences from cooking traditional meals to participating in harvests. Her consistent income allowed her to improve her family’s quality of life and inspire other women in her village to follow suit.

Local Wisdom, Global Standards: The Case for Indigenous Leadership
The importance of local leadership in tourism is especially pronounced in Ladakh, a region both culturally rich and ecologically fragile. Locals possess an intrinsic understanding of the land, its traditions, and its vulnerabilities. This makes them best positioned to lead tourism in a way that honors sacred spaces and protects delicate ecosystems. Kunzes Angmo emphasizes, “While tourism is driven by outsiders’ risks commodifying culture and damaging the environment, local stewardship ensures respectful, informed, and sustainable growth.”

Galwan Valley: A New Chapter with Caution
The recent opening of Galwan Valley to tourists presents both promise and responsibility. With its historical and ecological value, the region requires careful management. Thoughtful, sustainable tourism led by trained local guides can ensure that this new access benefits both the community and the environment. Tour operators like Royal Explorers are instrumental in educating visitors on the valley’s significance and promoting eco-friendly practices that preserve its integrity.

Decentralizing Tourism: The Power of 10,000 Homestays
The founders are strong advocates for initiatives like the goal of establishing 10,000 homestays across Ladakh. They believe this move decentralizes tourism, bringing economic benefits to rural families and empowering women without requiring them to leave their homes. However, growth must be managed wisely.

Training for Tomorrow: Balancing Tradition with Sustainability
Maintaining cultural authenticity and environmental sensitivity is key. Royal Explorers supports training programs in waste management, water conservation, and sustainable hospitality to ensure homestays remain rooted in local tradition while meeting modern expectations.

Amplifying Grassroots Voices on Global Platforms
“OTM isn’t just an event, it’s a movement” says Lobzang Tsendol. “It gives local voices like ours space to connect, collaborate, and be heard. It showcases what responsible tourism can look like, led by communities, grounded in culture, and rooted in sustainability. It also amplifies the shift we want to see from mass tourism to mindful travel.”

Participation in platforms like OTM 2025 reflects Royal Explorers’ commitment to promoting responsible tourism on a broader scale. These events provide vital exposure for local operators and foster collaboration across the industry. More importantly, they amplify voices from the grassroots, ensuring that tourism planning and policy are informed by real-world experiences and challenges.

Balancing Growth and Preservation in a Rapidly Changing Landscape
As accessibility to Ladakh increases through infrastructure projects like the Z-Morh tunnel, the potential for tourism growth is immense. Yet, this growth must be balanced with ecological preservation. Stakeholders must shift from prioritizing quantity to quality, emphasizing meaningful, low-impact travel. Collaboration among local communities, tour operators, and policymakers is crucial to anticipate risks and co-create sustainable solutions.

A Vision for the Future: Responsible, Inclusive, and Rooted Tourism
The future of tourism in Ladakh, as envisioned by the Co-founders of Royal Explorers is one where culture and environment are not sacrificed for economic gain. Instead, tourism becomes a tool for empowerment, education, and preservation. They urge travelers and tourism professionals alike to see Ladakh not just as a destination, but as a living culture that deserves deep respect.

A Call to Action: Travel with Purpose, Leave a Positive Trace
When asked what’s the message they have for travelers, Lobzang Tsendol doesn’t hesitate. Their message is clear: “Approach Ladakh with curiosity and care. Embrace sustainability not as a trend, but as a responsibility.” And above all, ensure that every journey taken uplifts the very communities and landscapes that make Ladakh so extraordinary.