The Choglamsar flower garden opens to the public on September 18, with Lilium and Gladiolus cultivation planned as a model for high-altitude farming across Ladakh.
BY PC Bureau
September 17: Ladakh has unveiled what the Union Territory administration describes as the world’s highest-altitude twin flower fields, with more than 25 lakh Lilium and Gladiolus flowers cultivated across 40 acres at Choglamsar and Stakna in Leh.
Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena inaugurated the two flower fields on Thursday to mark Sewa Diwas and the 76th birth anniversary of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Located at an altitude of around 10,600 feet, the twin fields are also described by the administration as the highest and largest flower fields in India. The project is aimed at using commercial floriculture to diversify agriculture in Ladakh and create alternative sources of income for farmers.
The fields include around 24 lakh Lilium and one lakh Gladiolus. The administration said the initiative is the first experiment of its scale in high-altitude Ladakh and could provide a model for similar projects elsewhere in the Union Territory.
The Choglamsar flower field was developed in just two months. Plantation began on July 16, with the first blooms appearing in the first week of September. At Stakna, plantation of nearly 14 lakh Liliums began in August, with flowering expected from around the end of October.
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The project is designed not only as a flower cultivation venture but also as a demonstration and training centre for farmers and young people. The Agriculture Department plans to train local farmers in scientific floriculture, modern cultivation techniques and post-harvest management.
Under the proposed model, the department will develop the flower fields during the first year and transfer them, during the flowering period, to selected self-help groups (SHGs) and cooperative societies. The department will also assist them in marketing the produce in domestic and international markets.
From the second year, the cooperatives are expected to take over commercial cultivation, harvesting and value addition of Lilium flowers.
The administration said the project seeks to take advantage of Ladakh’s climatic conditions and the market demand for high-value flowers. Lilium currently sells at around ₹60-70 per stem in wholesale markets, with retail prices potentially higher.
Inaugurating the facility, Saxena said the initiative was intended to create new livelihood opportunities alongside traditional agriculture.
“Floriculture is a high-value agricultural activity that can complement traditional farming, enhance farmers’ incomes and open new avenues for employment and entrepreneurship,” he said.
The Choglamsar facility is also planned as a recreational and educational attraction for residents and tourists, while serving as a centre where farmers and youth can learn commercial floriculture.
The Flower Garden will open to the public from September 18, 2026. The administration has fixed an entry fee of ₹25 for adults and ₹10 for children, with the revenue earmarked for maintenance and upkeep of the facility.
