To combat water scarcity during spring and promote eco-tourism, Ladakh has established its first “Ice Stupa Park” in Nubra Valley. Built using traditional techniques and gravity-fed water jets, these artificial glaciers store winter water as massive ice cones. In summer, they melt slowly and provide irrigation for crops.
The project, inspired by engineer Sonam Wangchuk’s innovation, not only tackles climate adaptation but also attracts eco-conscious tourists from across the globe. The local youth are also being trained in stupa-making as a sustainable livelihood option. Authorities plan to replicate this model in other drought-prone hamlets.