The Rinchen Block at the Ladakh Scouts Regimental Centre at Phyang, Leh.
At an elevation of 11,000 feet above sea level, the Ladakh Scouts Regimental Centre holds the distinction of being the highest regimental centre in the country. This regiment, which is also known as Snow Warriors and Snow Leopards, is composed of young men from Leh and Kargil districts. It showcases its men’s mountain skills on rugged mountains, glaciers, and rough terrains. Nearly every Ladakhi family has a soldier serving in this regiment, guarding the borders with Pakistan and China.
Despite the challenges, these mountain soldiers are adept at using their skills in this harsh environment.
Many Ladakhi families have multiple members serving in the regiment. In the village of Pinchimik in Nubra valley, for example, four brothers serve in the Ladakh Scouts. One of these brothers, an honorary captain, is also a mountaineer who has scaled numerous peaks, including Mount Everest.
Members of Zedang Sumpa Battalion of Ladakh Scouts, which scaled five virgin peaks above 6,000 metres located in the Central Rimo Glacier, pose with the Indian and the Ladakh Scouts regimental flag, in October 2021. (Photo: Indian Army)
The photo below features an Army family from Likir village, depicting two young soldiers with their mother at a retirement function for one of their brothers. Their father, also a soldier, died in service. The courageous mother raised and educated her children alone, and both sons decided to join the Army.
(Photo: Phunchuk Wangchuk)
Ladakhi families have many stories of bravery. Over its 60-year history, the Ladakh Scouts have fought many battles and earned 850 gallantry awards for operations in 1948, 1962, 1965, 1971, and 1999. In 1984, the Ladakh Scouts were the first to establish check posts on the Siachen Glacier. Since then, the regiment has garnered numerous gallantry awards, including one Ashok Chakra, while guarding the world’s highest and most challenging battlefield. During the Kargil Operation Vijay in 1999, the regiment received 84 gallantry awards, including one Maha Vir Chakra and five Vir Chakras, but lost 30 jawans in the battle.
The list of Ladakh Scouts soldiers who were killed in action during various operations. (Photo courtesy: Hakima Banoo Ali HBA/X)
Today, the Ladakh Scouts Regimental Centre is one of the most decorated regiments in the Indian Army.
