KINS DESK
Srinagar, Dec 11 (KINS): The Union Home and Tourism Ministries are in advanced discussions to permit the use of satellite phones for trekkers in no-network zones of the Kashmir Valley, Tourism Director Raja Yaqoob Farooq said on Wednesday.
“The Tourism Ministry has taken up the matter with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) for various states. Tourists trekking in areas without network connectivity should be allowed to use satellite phones. This proposal is now in an advanced stage of discussion between the two ministries,” Farooq revealed while speaking at an event marking International Mountain Day in Srinagar, as per news agency KINS.
Highlighting the significance of trekking in the region, Farooq said the department has identified 75 new trekking routes across Jammu and Kashmir. Among these, popular trails like the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek, routes in Gulmarg, and the Tarsar Marsar Trek have already been operationalized. “We are in the process of mapping these tracks to further boost adventure tourism,” he added.
Farooq emphasized the unique potential of Jammu and Kashmir as a hub for adventure tourism, citing the region’s mountainous terrain as a magnet for foreign trekkers and skiing enthusiasts.
This year, Kashmir has witnessed a record number of foreign tourist arrivals, with daily numbers ranging from 200 to 500 despite limited snowfall. Farooq noted that last year, 2.3 million tourists, excluding Amarnath Yatris, visited the valley, and the department anticipates surpassing that figure in 2024.
Additionally, the tourism department has introduced new activities such as rafting in Gurez and is exploring the possibility of hosting the World Rafting Championship, following a proposal from the World Rafting Federation.(KINS)
