Archive · 16 Sep 2026
Kumik Named Ladakh’s First Heritage Village During Festival
Kumik is a small village in the Zanskar Valley.
It has old houses, sacred places and traditional ways of farming.
People there have also preserved important Buddhist writings for many years.
The village has now been named Ladakh’s first Heritage Village.
This means its living traditions and historic places will receive special recognition.
The announcement was made by Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena during a festival.
Saxena also visited Sheela Waterfall nearby.
He asked officials to improve facilities and make the waterfall safer and easier to visit.
He also called for studying rock check dams to help protect water supplies and farming.
Lt Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena declared Kumik Zanskar’s first Heritage Village.
Kumik is known for traditional homes, sacred spaces, agricultural practices and Buddhist manuscripts.
The designation was announced during the Ladakh Zanskar Festival 2026.
Saxena ordered upgrades at Sheela Waterfall, including toilets, lighting, seating and safety measures.
Officials were asked to explore at least four rock check dams for water and agricultural sustainability.
- Who
- Lt Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena declared Kumik a Heritage Village and issued development directions after meeting local residents.
- What
- Kumik was named Ladakh’s first Heritage Village, while Sheela Waterfall was targeted for rapid upgrades and water-sustainability planning.
- When
- The declaration was made on Wednesday during the Ladakh Zanskar Festival 2026, during Saxena’s two-day visit.
- Where
- Kumik and Sheela Waterfall in the Zanskar Valley, Ladakh.
- Why
- To recognize Kumik’s living cultural and Buddhist heritage, improve public access and facilities at Sheela Waterfall, and strengthen long-term water and agricultural sustainability.
- Heritage designation
- Kumik was declared Ladakh’s first Heritage Village.
- Announcement
- The declaration coincided with the Ladakh Zanskar Festival 2026.
- Cultural significance
- Kumik preserves traditional houses, sacred spaces, agricultural practices, age-old customs and Buddhist textual traditions.
- Manuscripts
- The village is known for Kanjur manuscripts and other Tibetan Buddhist materials.
- Waterfall upgrades
- Planned amenities at Sheela Waterfall include toilets, eateries, seating, lighting and safety measures.
- Water security
- Officials were directed to explore at least four rock check dams over the Zanskar River.
- Local concerns
- Residents raised issues involving encroachment, poor upkeep, blocked public access and regional water shortages.