The Curious Phenomenon of ‘Pregnancy Tourism’ in Ladakh’s Aryan Valley

 

When most people hear the term “pregnancy tourism,” they imagine expectant mothers traveling abroad to countries with jus soli laws, aiming to secure citizenship, healthcare, and future opportunities for their children. However, in Ladakh’s remote Aryan Valley, the concept takes on a very different narrative—one rooted in myth, folklore, and an enduring fascination with “racial purity.”

 

The Brokpa community, also known as Drogpa or Drokpa, resides in Himalayan villages such as Dah, Hanu, Darchik, Biama, and Garkon. Locals claim to be direct descendants of Aryans, a legend that, while widely dismissed by historians and geneticists, has fueled intriguing stories in the region.

 

One of the most talked-about claims suggests that some foreign women, particularly from Germany and other parts of Europe, visit Brokpa villages with the specific intent of conceiving children with local men, under the belief that their offspring would inherit the so-called “pure Aryan” traits. Reports even mention that some men are financially compensated, turning conception into a commercialised arrangement.

 

Travel vlogger Soumil Agarwal visited the Aryan Valley to explore the truth behind these tales. He found mixed reactions from residents: some confirmed that foreign women had come with such intentions, while others dismissed the stories entirely. The village pradhan also regarded the claims as baseless.

 

Experts note that while isolated instances may exist, there is little evidence to suggest that pregnancy tourism in Ladakh is organised or widespread. Most accounts appear to be based on word-of-mouth, travelogues, or local gossip.