Kumik becomes Ladakh’s first heritage village

Kumik is no longer just a remote Zanskar village—it has become the first Heritage Village of Ladakh, with the Ladakh LG VK Saxena seeking to preserve its centuries-old cultural and Buddhist legacy as a living heritage.

During his two-day visit of Zanskar after it was declared a separate district of the UT, Saxena also visited the Sheela Waterfall and announced to develop it to attract tourists.

In an X post on Wednesday, Saxena announced “It’s a profound privilege to declare ‘Kumik Village’ in Zanskar as the first Heritage Village of Ladakh, today, coinciding with the Ladakh Zanskar Festival 2026”.

Kumik, a remote settlement in Zanskar Valley, dotted by traditional houses, sacred spaces, agricultural practices, and age-old traditions, is widely known for preserving a rich Buddhist textual tradition, including precious Kanjur manuscripts and other Tibetan Buddhist materials. It offers a glimpse into a different side of Zanskar – as a place where knowledge, faith and cultural traditions were preserved and transmitted.

Kumik is not just a monument frozen in time; it is a vibrant, living heritage. It embodies the broader vision of “Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi”, “as enunciated by Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri @narendramodi ji”, Saxena said.

Preserving Kumik is not only about safeguarding a side of Zanskar where faith, knowledge, and scholarship thrived; it is about understanding the resilience of our Himalayan communities and celebrating the living soul of Ladakh”.

The LG said that he “Visited the enchanting Sheela Waterfall in Zanskar Valley, during my two-day visit to the newly carved district, yesterday. Had a fruitful interaction with the warm local residents, to understand their concerns, grievances, and developmental demands, particularly related to poor upkeep, encroachment and blocked public access to the waterfall”.

He directed officials to swiftly upgrade public amenities at the site, including toilets, eateries, seating, lighting, and other safety measures, so as to develop Sheela Waterfall, as one of the must-visit places in the Zanskar Valley.

“Also, taking note of the locals’ concerns regarding water shortage in the region, directed the concerned departments to explore suitable locations for constructing at least four rock check dams over Zanskar River, for long-term water and agricultural sustainability in the region”, he said.

“Zanskar’s natural beauty is immense, and its sustainable growth is our priority. We are fully committed to ensuring long-term water security and holistic development in the region”, he added.