Where Is Galwan Valley? Can Tourists Visit The Location Behind Matrubhumi?

The trailer of the much awaited Hindi movie ‘Maatrubhumi’ was released on November 10, 2026. The trailer gives us a glimpse into the June 15, 2020 clash in the Galwan Valley along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) between Indian and Chinese troops. The movie stars Salman Khan and Chitrangada Singh with Mukesh Rishi, Tenzin Bodh, Ankur Bhatia, Abhilash Chaudhary, and more in pivotal roles. The release of the much anticipated trailer has got audiences curious about Galwan Valley which is at the centerpoint of the movie’s plot. Can you visit Galwan Valley Ladakh and do you require special permission to do so? Let’s take a look at the Salman Khan movie location!

Galwan Valley Ladakh: Can Tourists Visit The Maatrubhumi Film Location

Talks To Develop Galwan Valley Into A Tourist Destination

There were talks in 2025 to develop Galwan Valley into a tourist destination. Local authorities, in collaboration with the Indian Army, had initiated plans to open the valley and the Hot Spring area to domestic tourists.

The move was officially announced by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Army Day, January 15, 2025. The initiative included establishing war memorials to commemorate the sacrifices of Indian soldiers as well as promoting wildlife and cultural tourism.

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Where Is Galwan Valley Ladakh?

Galwan Valley is located in Eastern Ladakh, situated at an altitude of 14,000 to 17,000 feet above sea level. The Galwan Valley is where the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China. The Galwan River originates from Aksai Chin and flows westwards to meet the Shyok River. It lies roughly 200–274 km from Leh via Durbuk and Shyok village.

Today, the Galwan War Memorial sits at the site where 20 Indian soldiers were killed in a brutal hand-to-hand confrontation with Chinese troops in the Galwan Valley in 2020. The monument stands in one of the toughest military deployment zones on Earth, marked by sub-zero temperatures, thin air, and unforgiving terrain.

The memorial was inaugurated by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh under the ‘Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan’ initiative announced on Army Day. The project is aimed at opening key battlegrounds to the public and enabling them to understand the sacrifice of Indian martyrs.

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Can Tourists Visit Galwan Valley?

Tourists cannot visit the entirety of Galwan Valley for security reasons, however, they can visit the Galwan War Memorial.

Galwan Valley, where the movie ‘Maatrubhumi’ is set, is not open to visitors, both Indian and foreign. Many parts of the valley are restricted due to military security and defense purposes. Movement past military checkpoints, such as areas beyond Durbuk or Shyok is heavily restricted.

Reports suggest that the Galwan War Memorial is open to visitors, however, special permits are required to visit the place. Those wishing to visit the memorial must contact verified local tour agencies and local authorities to find out latest updates on visiting the war memorial.

Watch Maatrubhumi Trailer Below

Summing Up

If you’ve watched the trailer of Maatrubhumi, you might’ve developed curiosity about Galwan Valley. The movie was majorly shot in Mumbai and parts of Ladakh to recreate the terrain and climatic conditions of the Galwan Valley. The valley, in its entirety, is not open to visitors. However, those interested in visiting the Galwan War Memorial must contact local authorities and tour agencies to find out the latest updates.