Defence Minister Rajnath Singh recently announced that the Siachen region, considered to be the world's highest battlefield, will now be open to tourists. The glacier, known for its complicated terrain and extreme weather conditions, is now accessible for tourism.

Speaking at the inauguration of Colonel Chewang Rinchen Bridge at Shyok River in Ladakh on Monday, Rajnath said that, “Siachen has tremendous potential in tourism.” The bridge will provide easy connectivity with the Daulat Beg Oldi sector along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China.

Siachen Glacier comes under the Ladakh region, which along with Jammu and Kashmir, was declared a Union Territory after the central government's move to scrap special status for the state.

“Ladakh has tremendous potential in tourism. Better connectivity in Ladakh would certainly bring tourists in large numbers. The Siachen area is now open for tourists and tourism. From Siachen Base Camp to Kumar Post, the entire area has been opened for tourism purposes,” Rajnath posted on his Twitter account.

Kumar Post is at a height of more than 15,000 feet. Tourists will be able to travel from the base camp which is at Partapur at 11,000 feet to Kumar Post. Looks like, it's only for the brave hearts.

According to news reports, the tourists will now be given a permit to travel to these areas independently. From 2007 to 2016, the glacier was open to an annual expedition with civilians conducted by the Indian Army.

Ladakh has tremendous potential in Tourism. Better connectivity in Ladakh would certainly bring tourists in large numbers.

The Siachen area is now open for tourists and Tourism. From Siachen Base Camp to Kumar Post, the entire area has been opened for Tourism purposes.

Isn't this exciting? 

The minister also told the media that the newly inaugurated bridge will provide all-weather connectivity to the region and act as a strategic asset in the border areas. 

Delighted to dedicate to the nation the newly constructed ' Colonel Chewang Rinchen Bridge' at Shyok River in Ladakh.

This bridge has been completed in record time. It will not only provide all weather connectivity in the region but also be a strategic asset in the border areas pic.twitter.com/cwbeixGOCR

The construction of the bridge started in the year 2017. The bridge is around 4.5 metres wide and 1400 ft long and is at a height of more than 14,000 feet. 

Interestingly, Siachen Glacier is also the second largest glacier in the world outside the polar region.