Ladakh To Get India’s 1st Model Border Village Near China Border; Will Support Livelihood & Tourism

India is all set to get its first Model Border Village in Ladakh at 16,700 feet near the India-China border. The foundation stone was recently laid by the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Vinai Kumar Saxena. Here is everything you need to know about the project, which aims to create a self-reliant and climate-resilient border village.

India’s First Model Border Village In Ladakh 

It was indeed a matter of pride to have laid the foundation stone of Ladakh’s first Model Border Village at Chumur, under the Vibrant Village Program (VVP) in Changthang district in Eastern Ladakh. Jubilant, cultural celebrations by hundreds of locals, youth and senior citizens… pic.twitter.com/MpXT8EIs0t

— LG Ladakh (@lg_ladakh) June 3, 2026

Before we tell you everything about this project, let us briefly explain what a model border Village is. It is a strategic settlement in a remote frontier region that is developed with modern and climate-resilient infrastructure. These villages have modern connectivity and several facilities as well. Ladakh now has India’s first Model Border Village at Chumur. It is a settlement located 16,700 feet above sea level in eastern Ladakh’s Changthang region.

Located near the India-China border, it has 24 households with 91 people. All of them are engaged in Pashmina rearing and production. The Model Border Village will be developed under the Vibrant Village Programme (VVP), which aims to create self-reliant, climate-resilient, tourism-enabled and economically vibrant border villages in India’s high-altitude frontier regions.

Also Read: Ladakh Welcomes Foreign Liquor For 1st Time; Liquor Outlets To Rise From 2 To 20 Under New Rule

24 Climate-Resilient Houses To Come Up In Chumur

According to the announcement by the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh on X, 24 modern, climate-resilient houses with thermally insulated walls will come up for villagers in Chumur. Each house will have an additional room suitable for a homestay. This will allow villagers to support their livelihood with additional income. The houses are expected to be ready by September 2026, subject to weather conditions.

Moreover, development in Chumur will focus on infrastructure, employment and livelihood creation, and tourism promotion. Special emphasis will be laid on the promotion of Pashmina products and local handicrafts, which would encourage self-reliance among villagers. Notably, authorities are planning 10 such villages under the Vibrant Village Programme in Ladakh during the first phase.

Also Read: Nakuul Mehta’s Ladakh Escape Included Cooking Ramen On A Hilltop & Reflecting On Life

This is great news, right? The project will create many opportunities for locals while also promoting tourism in the region.

Cover Image Courtesy: @lg_ladakh/X