Home / Business and Economy / Ladakh's Mountains: From Scenery to Livelihoods
Ladakh's Mountains: From Scenery to Livelihoods
1 Sep
Summary
- Mountains transformed from scenery to workplaces.
- Adventure tourism now supports 25,000-30,000 livelihoods.
- Ladakh Marathon generates millions in economic activity.
Chewang Motup Goba has revolutionized Ladakh's economy by turning its mountains into vital workplaces. Over three decades, he built an ecosystem where mountains support guides, athletes, and logistics crews, creating 25,000-30,000 local livelihoods.
Goba founded Rimo Expeditions in 1992, focusing on professional adventure tourism with an emphasis on ecological responsibility and community-centric practices. This venture grew from personal experiences in mountaineering and logistics.
He later championed organized sports for Ladakhi youth, notably with ice hockey donations and the establishment of the Ladakh Marathon in 2012. This event now generates an estimated ₹40-47 crore per edition.
The marathon extends the tourism season by requiring acclimatization, significantly boosting accommodation, transport, and food businesses. It highlights how endurance sport can create meaningful economic impact while respecting the environment.
However, this model faces risks from climate change, which is altering the mountain landscape. Goba's work underscores the need to protect natural systems crucial for Ladakh's economy and its growing status as a sporting destination.
