Published:
January 11, 2025
In 1960, the Indian Army was given responsibility for the northern borders with 114 Infantry Brigade which included the 7 J&K Militia responsible for Southern territory, consisting of the Indus Valley, 14 J&K Militia oversaw the area north of the Galwan river and 1/8 Gorkha Rifles were responsible for the area between Galwan and Chushul.
In April 1961, a platoon of the 14 J&K Militia was given the responsibility to establish a post at Daulat Beg Oldie, also termed as the “Gateway to Hell” by old traders. It was 16 kilometres southeast of the Karakoram Pass. Survival in the terrain and severe weather was challenging in this region. In those days, Ladakh’s connectivity was also very poor, with only a Jeepable road connecting Chushul and Leh. Therefore, air supply was the only way to keep posts operational.
The two dozen odd posts in the area came under heavy Chinese bombardment but held their ground defiantly under extreme odds. After October 23, there was no fighting in the DBO sector until the official ceasefire on November 21.
Note: 1. Since Daulat Beg Oldi is situated at an altitude above 9000 feet above sea level, tourists are advised to follow the acclimatization process. Please refer to the PDF attached in the important links section.
2. Visitors are advised to get necessary permits before visiting.
Leh → Sumur (115 Km) → Saser (207 Km) → DBO (286 Km)
