Wall climbing, snow cycling, film on mountaineering, workshop on BLS mark the day

SRINAGAR, DECEMBER 11: It was a festivity of different kind today, across Dal banks and at various other tourist destinations across Kashmir valley.

The occasion was the celebration of International Mountain Day which the Tourism Department had planned with all festivities.

Advisor to Lieutenant Governor, Farooq Khan was the Chief Guest on the occasion.

The Department, on the occasion, flagged a winter trek from Naranag to Marchoi in Ganderbal district besides a snow cycling and ATV race at famed skiing destination Gulmarg. A wall climbing event at Tourist Reception Centre, Nowgam was also flagged off through online mode.

The Tourism Department also released, on the occasion, trekking maps of offbeat destinations and screening of documentary films on Mount Everest, involving local climbers, and Sustainable Mountain Tourism.

The theme for this year’s International Mountain Day was “Sustainable Mountain Tourism” as Sustainable mountain tourism contributes to create additional and alternative livelihood options and helps in poverty alleviation and social inclusion.

Hundreds of adventure lovers including the various stakeholders took part in the programme.

The Department had also organised a one day workshop on Basic Life Support for Tourism Service Providers including Tourist Guides during which the tourist guides were provided training to handle emergency situations while mountaineering.

Besides, the Department is also holding a photographic competition among youth regarding mountaineering which has generated interest among them.

KR Desk