Opened for tourism in 1974, with a tourist arrival of 527 the first year, Ladakh has witnessed a steady growth in tourist arrival. Its geo-climatic conditions, stark barren mountains, landscape, culture, tradition, and environment has been a great source of attraction for the tourists. Tourist arrival to Ladakh has increased many fold since then. Tourist arrival has been recorded 1,78,042 (ending October,2011) in 2011. The tourism industry is now an important and major socio-economic sector for Ladakh. Tourism is generating handsome revenue and enormous employment opportunities both skilled and un-skilled, especially in the sectors such as hotels, guest houses, restaurants, catering services, transport, porters, ponies, souvenir shops, handicrafts etc. Ladakh endowed with unique geo-climatic and topographical conditions have made it a paradise for the adventure lovers. Ladakh is a paradise for the trekkers, mountaineers, bikers, river runners and motor safari. Ladakh is a complete tourist destination with choice of Cultural, Spiritual, Adventure, Wild life and Health tourism. Some of the world record attractions such as the highest motorable road of the world, the largest brackish lake in Asia, the longest glacier outside pole, the world highest observatory are great attraction and inspiration for the visitors. Some of the rarest species of wild-life are confined to Ladakh.