Getting to Ladakh always came down to two things: A flight into Leh or a long, bumpy road trip over some of the highest mountain passes in the world. That, however, is about to change now. Two more airports in the region, Thoise in Nubra Valley and Kargil, are getting ready to open up to civilian flights, and this could be one of the biggest shifts in Ladakh tourism in years. Also Read: Travel Influencer Aishwarya Karkera Reveals Udupi's Hidden Side With Sandbanks, Kudrus And Starry Boat Rides Thoise comes further along in the process. The Indian Air Force has approved five acres of land for a new civil terminal in Nubra, and the runway is currently being recarpeted, with the work expected to finish by November 2026. Rather than waiting for the new terminal to be fully built, authorities plan to refurbish the existing charter flight terminal and start civilian operations from there. If all goes to plan, you could be flying into Nubra Valley by December 2026. It is a different scenario with Kargil. On September 1, 2026, a joint team from the Indian Air Force, the Airports Authority of India, and the Ministry of Civil Aviation will inspect the airport to check whether it is ready for regular passenger flights. Once the Airports Authority outlines what infrastructure is needed, Ladakh's Public Works Department will carry out the refurbishment. Both the airports are currently being used for military and charter purposes, so opening them to the public is a big step. It also means routine security and scheduling constraints tied to their strategic location, since these are border areas close to sensitive zones. The same goes for Kargil, Drass, and the areas around them. These places currently see far fewer tourists than Leh simply because they are harder to get to. Easier air access could finally put them on the map for regular travellers and not just history buffs and hardcore trekkers. Also Read: Mumbai Beats London And Miami To Enter Global Workcation Hotlist: What Makes The City A Remote-Work Favourite Travel News - Find latest news and tips based on Indian and World travel including top 10 travel destination, tourism information, how to reach visit and more at Times Now. Senior Copy Editor at Times Network, Akanksha Arora covers Lifestyle, Culture and everything that falls under its big umbrella. When not writing, she ... View More