LEH, SEPTEMBER 17: Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Vinai Kumar Saxena on Thursday inaugurated and dedicated the world’s highest-altitude twin flower fields at Choglamsar and Stakna in Leh, marking the 76th birth anniversary of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Located at an altitude of around 10,600 feet, the two flower fields span nearly 40 acres and feature more than 25 lakh high-value flowers, including around 24 lakh Liliums and one lakh Gladiolus. The project is being described as the highest and largest flower cultivation initiative of its kind in the country.
The initiative is the first experiment of this scale in high-altitude floriculture in Leh and is aimed at diversifying agriculture, empowering farmers and creating new livelihood opportunities through commercial flower cultivation.
The Choglamsar flower field was developed in just two months. Plantation began on July 16, with the first blooms appearing during the first week of September. At Stakna, plantation of nearly 14 lakh Lilium plants began in August, with the first blooms expected by the end of October.
The project seeks to utilise Ladakh’s unique climatic conditions and the growing demand for high-value flowers in domestic and international markets. Lilium flowers command premium prices, with wholesale rates reportedly ranging between ₹60 and ₹70 per stick, while retail prices are higher.
The Choglamsar Flower Park will also function as a demonstration and training centre for farmers and youth. Besides Lilium and Gladiolus, flowers such as tulips and other ornamental varieties will be cultivated.
Under the initiative, the Agriculture Department will develop the flower fields during the first year and subsequently hand them over to selected Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and cooperative societies during the blooming period. The department will provide support in cultivation, marketing and post-harvest management.
From the following year, the cooperatives are expected to undertake commercial cultivation, harvesting and value addition independently.
Speaking at the inauguration, LG Saxena said the initiative was aimed at creating new livelihood opportunities while providing farmers and young people with exposure to modern and scientific floriculture practices.
The flower fields will also serve as recreational and educational spaces for residents and tourists, while promoting entrepreneurship and rural economic activity in Ladakh.
The Flower Garden will open to the public from September 18, 2026. An entry fee of ₹25 for adults and ₹10 for children has been fixed, with the revenue to be used for the garden’s maintenance and upkeep.
