Siachen glacier, known for its arduous climate and difficult terrain, is now open for tourism. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday announced that 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 Singh said.

Siachen is the site of the Kargil war between the Indian Army and Pakistan-backed extremists. It is widely called the world's highest battlefield.

The Kumar Post is at height of more than 15,000 ft. Tourists will be able to travel from the base camp at Partapur at 11,000 feet to the Kumar Post.

Sources said tourists will be given a permit to travel to these areas.

This means other than the annual expedition organised by the Army from the base camp to Kumar Post, tourists will be able to travel independently.

Speaking at the inauguration of Colonel Chewang Rinchen Bridge at Shyok River in Ladakh, the defence minister said that Ladakh had tremendous potential for tourism. "Better connectivity in Ladakh would certainly bring tourists in large numbers."

Rajnath Singh said that the new bridge will provide all-weather connectivity in the region and act as a strategic asset in the border areas.

This along with 36 other bridges and road construction will of great help to both military and civilians for swifter movement.

The construction of the bridge started in 2017. The bridge will be a boost to road connectivity. It is 4.5 meters wide and 1400 ft long at a height of more than 14,000 feet.

Load capacity the bride is 70 tonnes and it will be a boost to road connectivity from Drabuk to Daulet Beg Oldie (DBO) in China