Srinagar, Dec 12: Adventure tourism lovers Wednesday joined hands to promote hills in Srinagar for trekking by holding a symbolic trek in the picturesque Harwan area.
 In continuation to the celebration of International Mountain Day, the Jammu & Kashmir Ski & Mountaineering Association (JKSMA) in collaboration with Department of Tourism, Kashmir conducted a symbolic trekking program from Faqeer Gujri to Asthan Marg in Dara area of Harwan.
 More than 60 boys and girls took part in the event. “The main aim for organizing this symbolic short trek was to create awareness among the masses about the importance of mountains for our life,” the event hosts said adding “It’ll also help inculcate a spirit of nature appreciation among our children.”
 Trekking program was led by prominent ski-mountaineer and adventure sports coach Muhammad Yusuf. The team was jointly flagged-off jointly by Director Tourism Talat Parvaiz and Vice-Chairman, Srinagar Development Authority, Khawaja Farooq Renzu from Tourist Reception Center, Srinagar.
 In his speech Talat said that we will continue to support the JKSMA in its endeavors.
 The Director further said that the Zaberwan range in Srinagar has tremendous potential for different adventure and recreational activities.
 Renzu assured that he would put the area in the Srinagar Master Plan and will try to exploit tourism potential in close association with Department of Tourism.
 Prominent adventure tourism player Rauf Tramboo, who is also the spokesman and General Secretary JKSMA, said the event would go a long way in promoting hills in Srinagar on the adventure tourism map.
 “Harwan belt has tremendous scope for the adventure tourism promotion. All we need to do is create awareness in this regard,” Tramboo told Greater Kashmir.
 He said JKSMA would try its best to explore the tourism potential of  this historic City. “Srinagar is the only City in the world which is blessed with so much of natural beauty that from lakes to other waterbodies to mountains and hills, all are present here,” Tramboo said.
 While concluding the event he expressed gratitude to Tourism Department and Srinagar development Authority for extending their support in organizing the trekking program. 

Lastupdate on : Wed, 12 Dec 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Wed, 12 Dec 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Thu, 13 Dec 2012 00:00:00 IST