EC Altaf Hussain Inaugurates Basic Rock Climbing Course at TFC Kargil

Kargil, October 15: The Department of Tourism, Ladakh, in collaboration with the Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF), inaugurated a 7 days Basic Rock Climbing Course at TFC Kargil to promote adventure tourism and develop mountaineering skills among youth.

The programme was attended by Executive Councillor Tourism, LAHDC Kargil, Altaf Hussain; Chief Planning Officer, Kargil, Kacho Mohd Hussain; Director of Physical Education, University of Ladakh, Dr Murtaza Ali; Assistant Director of Tourism, Kargil Muhammad Ali Tak; IMF coaches, trainers; and participating students.

Assistant Director of Tourism Muhammad Ali Tak welcomed the gathering and highlighted Ladakh’s potential for rock climbing and adventure tourism. He informed that the second batch of the course commenced on October 15, following the conclusion of the first batch in Leh on October 14, with 30 participants registered. He encouraged participants to explore rock climbing as a career opportunity in mountaineering, adventure guiding and other tourism-related activities.

In his address, Executive Councillor Altaf Hussain encouraged the participants to make the best use of the training opportunity through dedication and hard work.

He highlighted the importance of developing adventure tourism in the region and informed the gathering that he had discussed related matters with the concerned Minister. He urged the participants to take full advantage of the course, describing it as an opportunity available at their doorstep.

The IMF coach highlighted career opportunities in mountaineering and adventure guiding, encouraging participants to seek guidance. He stated that the current course was basic-level training, with advanced courses planned for the future.

Dr Murtaza Ali, Director of Physical Education, University of Ladakh, highlighted that rock climbing is part of the Bachelor of Physical Education syllabus and encouraged participants to enhance their practical skills in adventure sports.

Chief Planning Officer Kargil Kacho Mohammad Hussain stressed expanding rock climbing training to other districts of Ladakh and encouraged participants to become skilled professionals and future coaches to promote adventure tourism.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Assistant Director of Tourism Muhammad Ali Tak, who expressedPress Release

EC Altaf Hussain Inaugurates Basic Rock Climbing Course at TFC Kargil

Kargil, October 15: The Department of Tourism, Ladakh, in collaboration with the Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF), inaugurated a Basic Rock Climbing Course at TFC Kargil to promote adventure tourism and develop mountaineering skills among youth.

The programme was attended by Executive Councillor for Tourism, LAHDC Kargil, Altaf Hussain, as the Chief Guest; Joint Director Planning/Chief Planning Officer Kargil, Kacho Mohammad Hussain; Director of Physical Education, University of Ladakh, Dr Murtaza Ali; Assistant Director of Tourism, Muhammad Ali Tak; and a team of national coaches and instructors.

The coaching team comprised Bibhas Roy, Senior National Coach; Chitrasen Singh, Youth National Coach; Shivkumar C., Chief Instructor; Madhu B.R., Instructor; and Santosh N., Instructor from the Indian Mountaineering Foundation and participating students.

Addressing the gathering as the Chief Guest, Executive Councillor Altaf Hussain encouraged the participants to make the best use of the training opportunity and pursue rock climbing and mountaineering with dedication, discipline and commitment. He highlighted the immense potential of Kargil for adventure tourism, given its unique mountainous terrain and natural landscape, and emphasised that such initiatives could open new avenues of employment and self-employment for local youth in mountaineering, adventure guiding and allied tourism activities.

He informed the gathering that he had held discussions with the concerned Minister for Tourism and Sports regarding the promotion of adventure tourism and the need to improve facilities and infrastructure to support these activities in the region. He stressed the importance of strengthening training programmes, ensuring access to suitable equipment and developing the necessary support systems to help local youth acquire professional skills and pursue careers in the adventure tourism sector.

The Executive Councillor further emphasised that the promotion of adventure tourism would help diversify Ladakh’s tourism sector, attract more visitors and strengthen the local economy while generating sustainable livelihood opportunities. He urged the participants to take full advantage of the course, describing it as a valuable opportunity available at their doorstep, and encouraged them to work towards becoming skilled professionals who could contribute to establishing Kargil as a prominent destination for adventure tourism.

Assistant Director of Tourism Muhammad Ali Tak welcomed the dignitaries, national coaches and instructors, and participating students. He highlighted Ladakh’s considerable potential for rock climbing and adventure tourism and emphasised the importance of providing local youth with professional training and practical exposure in mountaineering-related activities.

He informed the gathering that the second batch of the course commenced in Kargil on October 15, following the conclusion of the first batch in Leh on October 14, with 30 participants registered. He encouraged the participants to explore rock climbing as a potential career in mountaineering, adventure guiding and other tourism-related activities.

Joint Director Planning/Chief Planning Officer Kargil, Kacho Mohammad Hussain, highlighted the vast potential of Kargil for adventure tourism, particularly mountaineering and rock climbing, owing to its unique mountainous landscape and natural terrain. He assured that the district administration would extend full support to initiatives aimed at promoting adventure tourism and developing mountaineering activities in the district.

He emphasised the need to strengthen such training programmes, create more opportunities for local youth and equip them with professional skills to contribute to the tourism sector. He encouraged the participants to remain dedicated, gain maximum practical knowledge from the course and emerge as skilled professionals who could further promote adventure tourism in Kargil.

Bibhas Roy, Senior National Coach; Chitrasen Singh, Youth National Coach; Shivkumar C., Chief Instructor; Madhu B.R., Instructor; and Santosh N., Instructor, highlighted the importance of technical training, safety and professional guidance in rock climbing and mountaineering. They also outlined career opportunities in mountaineering and adventure guiding, encouraging participants to learn from experienced professionals. The coaching team informed the participants that the current course was basic-level training, with advanced courses planned for the future.

Dr Murtaza Ali, Director of Physical Education, University of Ladakh, highlighted that rock climbing is part of the Bachelor of Physical Education syllabus and encouraged participants to enhance their practical skills in adventure sports.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Assistant Director of Tourism Muhammad Ali Tak, who expressed gratitude to the Chief Guest, other dignitaries, the Indian Mountaineering Foundation’s national coaching and instructional team, the organisers and participating students for their presence, support and cooperation in making the initiative possible. gratitude to the dignitaries, IMF trainers, organisers and participants for their support and cooperation.