Shadow Correspondent
Srinagar, Dec 11 :
In what could give a major boost to the adventure tourism in Kashmir, the Union government is holding discussion for allowing the satellite phones for trekkers.
This was disclosed by Kashmir’s Tourism Director Raja Yaqoob Farooq on Wednesday.
Acknowledging connectivity challenges in remote areas, Farooq said that the Union Ministry of Tourism has already taken up with the Ministry of Home Affairs to address network issues of several states.
“The discussion is in advance stages for allowing satellite phones to tourists. As and when anything happens on this front, we will let you know,” Farooq said on the sidelines of a function to commemorate International Mountain Day.
Director Tourism, expressed optimism about an record influx of foreign tourists in Kashmir this year.
“This year, we expect the highest-ever foreign tourist footfall in Kashmir. On average, 200 to 300 foreign tourists visit the valley daily, and on some days, the number reaches up to 500,” he said.
Farooq said that despite challenges such as limited rainfall and delayed snowfall at key destinations, the influx of tourists remains consistent.
“Last year, approximately 2.3 million tourists—excluding pilgrims of the Amarnath Yatra—visited the valley, and this year, the number is poised to surpass that record,” he said.
Farooq highlighted Kashmir’s vast potential for adventure tourism, given its Himalayan landscape.
He shared updates on new initiatives, including the first-ever rafting event in the Gurez Valley,
located in North Kashmir’s Bandipora district.
“We have received a proposal from the World Rafting Federation (WRF) to host a World Rafting Competition in Kashmir,” he revealed. “The government is actively exploring this opportunity.”
He said the department has already started paragliding at some places besides hot-Air balloons in Zabarwan Park Srinagar.
He said this year a new ‘snow groomer’ machine is also arriving and for that Chief Minister has already signed his approval. The machine, which is being procured after 30-years, will maintain
ski slopes at the iconic Gulmarg resort.
The Director Tourism said that 75 different kinds of trekking routes have been identified and some major routes including Kashmir great lakes are phenomenal every year. Trekking remains in demand for the trekkers.
The Director said the tourism department is organising four big festivals at four places on the New Year Eve, for which some national artists would be invited who will perform at Gulmarg , Pahalgam, Sonmarg and in the Capital city centre Lal Chowk in Srinagar.
