Kargil, October 21: The seven-day Basic Rock-Climbing Course, organized by the Department of Tourism, Union Territory of Ladakh, in collaboration with the Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF), concluded here today.
A total of 28 young participants underwent practical training in rock climbing, technical equipment handling, climbing techniques and essential safety procedures.
The second batch commenced on October 15, following the successful completion of the first batch in Leh on October 14. The initiative aims to equip local youth with adventure-sports skills, promote safe and responsible mountain activities, strengthen local expertise and create opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship in Ladakh’s growing adventure tourism sector.
The closing ceremony was attended by Ghulam Mohammad, JKAS, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Kargil; Dr. Murtaza Ali, Director of Physical Education, University of Ladakh; Assistant Director Tourism, Kargil Muhammad Ali Tak along with officials, instructors and other invitees.
Addressing the participants, Chief Guest Ghulam Mohammad highlighted the immense adventure tourism potential of Kargil in particular and Ladakh in general, given the region’s distinctive mountainous terrain and opportunities for rock climbing, mountaineering, trekking, rafting and skiing. He emphasized that realizing this potential requires sustained efforts with greater focus on professional training, local entrepreneurship and sustainable livelihood opportunities for youth.
He stressed the importance of strengthening adventure-tourism associations and improving coordination among the Department of Tourism, district administrations, professional organizations and local communities. He observed that developing skilled local human resources and professional tourism services is essential to translating the region’s natural advantages into meaningful employment and self-employment opportunities.
Meanwhile, the participants appreciated the hands-on training, expert guidance and exposure to climbing equipment and safety techniques. They highlighted the programme’s role in building confidence, teamwork, technical awareness and an understanding of mountain ethics, while expressing interest in advanced training and further opportunities to pursue adventure sports professionally.
The coaching and instructional team comprised Shri Bibhas Roy, Senior National Coach; Shri Chitrasen Singh, Youth National Coach; Shri Shiv Kumar C., Chief Instructor; Shri Madhu B. R., Instructor; and Shri Santosh N., Instructor.
Shiv Kumar C., Chief Instructor, congratulated the participants on completing the course and emphasized the importance of progressive training under qualified supervision. He cautioned against attempting climbs independently without adequate skills and experience and highlighted the scope for intermediate and advanced courses in collaboration with the IMF.
As part of the closing ceremony, the Chief Guest and other invitees distributed certificates of participation among the 28 trainees in recognition of their successful completion of the course. The instructors were also felicitated in appreciation of their professional guidance, dedication and valuable contribution to the training programme.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Muhammad Ali Tak, Assistant Director, Tourism, Kargil, who thanked the IMF, the coaching and instructional team, participants and all supporting agencies especially the IMF for their support and contribution to the successful conduct of the course.
He emphasized that the objective of the initiative extends beyond imparting basic climbing skills to developing a trained local workforce capable of contributing to the growth of adventure tourism in Ladakh. He highlighted the importance of identifying suitable adventure sites, strengthening technical capacity, promoting safety awareness and encouraging local youth to pursue further professional training.
He further informed that on the sidelines of the programme, the IMF coaching and instructional team along with the Tourism Department Kargil officials undertook field visits to Kargil and Drass to identify potential locations for rock climbing and rappelling. The team identified several promising sites, namely Chutuk-Bragbu; Biathang near the Bypass Bridge at Shiliktse, Kargil; Kharbu, Drass; Thuina in Parkachik; Pandrass and several other locations.
During these visits, the team also undertook route marking and bolting at Chutuk-Bragbu and Biathang, Shiliktse, Kargil, as an initial step towards developing potential rock-climbing and rappelling routes. Similar interventions at the remaining identified locations may be undertaken during subsequent visits, subject to further technical assessment, feasibility and necessary approvals, he added.
