International Mountain Day: Tourism Department Jammu organizes Patnitop-Sudh Mahadev trekking expedition

Jammu: To promote tourism in general and adventure tourism in particular in Jammu Division, Directorate of Tourism, Jammu in association with Jammu Adventure Sports Association organized trekking from Hill resort Patnitop to Sudh Mahadev via Gouri Kund on the International Mountain Day.

As many as 40 young adventure enthusiasts from Jammu, Udhampur, and Ramban Districts were flagged off by Dr. Umesh Shan, Assistant Director Tourism, NHW, Batote in the presence of officials of Tourism Department, JASA and Patnitop Development Authority, under the guidance of Raj Kumar Katoch, Director Tourism Jammu.

The participants traversed through the mountains of Shivalik Range, while conforming to all COVID-19 protocols. Deliberations were held about the significance of the International Mountain Day, and the role of youth in realizing the goal of Sustainable Tourism.

A participant, Asif Javed said, “COVID 19 pandemic has dealt a heavy blow to the Tourism sector in Jammu Division. With ease in lockdown curbs, and subsequent resumption of activities like today’s trekking, we hope that Tourism returns to normalcy sooner.’’ He hailed the Department for well organized event. It may be noted that the trekking expedition is part of the efforts of Directorate Tourism to bring Tourism back on track in Jammu Division.

Earlier, in the month of November, it had organized trekking from Sanasar to Shankhpal ridge. Well aware of dependence of various stakeholders and local economy on tourism, Director Tourism, Jammu has assured of conducting more such events in various parts of Jammu Division in the coming weeks.