SRINAGAR: Director Tourism Kashmir Raja Yaqoob Farooq on Monday said the department is identifying 75 new trekking routes in the valley to bring the trekking adventure on the tourism map.
“We are identifying 75 new trekking routes for which have already hired an agency for that and we are also seeking feedback from tour and travel operators so as to bring all the trekking adventure on the tourism map,” he said after flagging off a trekking group to Tarsar, Marsar Lake.
The Director Tourism said many trekking groups have come to Kashmir from places like Bangalore, Hyderabad, West Bengal, Kanpur, Delhi. “Today, we flagged off two groups, and in coming days five more groups would be going to Dodhapathri and Gurez,” he said.
He said the department is now giving emphasis on adventure tourism and it is the Lieutenant Governor and Chief Secretary who are focusing on its diversification. “A few days ago, we held the trial of the Zipline in Baramulla, and hopefully by the end of this month that will also be started,” he said.
He said that the department is also going to start of water sports at a large scale at Dal Lake. “For the large-scale water sports, we have already hired an agency and they have been given permission for parasailing, jet skiing and there will be also floating water parks. We are also focusing on paragliding,” he said.
On shrine pilgrimage tourism, Farooq said they are focused on it and are identifying more circuits in addition to the annual pilgrimage Amaranth Yatra. “We have ancient Martand temple, Nagdandi, and in the Sufi circuit we have Makdhom Sahib shrine, Khanqah-e-Moula shrine and we are fully focused towards their revival on a large scale as we are getting funds under certain defined schemes,” he said.
Speaking about the offbeat destinations, he said Dodhapathri in the last six months has recorded the arrival of 8.5 lakh tourists. Gurez is also witnessing a good number of visitors, he added.
“Some years ago, we used to be reluctant to visit Dodhapathri, but you will be surprised that during the last six months, 8.5 lakh tourists have visited the destination,” he said, adding, “We are also planning Gurez Festival and will host programmes at all 75 identified offbeat destinations including offbeat destinations.”—(KNO)
