Tourism department to organize Kashmir, Kargil FAM tour for journalists

          KARGIL, JUNE 12: In a bid to boost tourism activities and promote Kargil as a tourism destination, the Department of Tourism, Kashmir is organizing a FAM tour for media persons throughout the Country who will be taken to different tourism spots in Kashmir and Kargil.

          This was announced by the Director Tourism, Kashmir Mahmood A Shah during an interactive meeting with the travel agents and hoteliers on his visit to Kargil Tourist Information Center at Kargil.

          Assistant Director Kargil Aga Taha, Executive Engineer Kargil Development Authority, hoteliers and travel agents attended the meeting.

          “The tourism department will invite journalists from across the country who will write about Kashmir and Kargil so that the people know about the tourism potential,” the Director said adding that the department will also organize Kargil festival for tourism promotion of the district.

          He said that Kargil is acting only as a transit point for the travelers and locals are not benefited much. “We want tourist to stay in Kargil and spend few nights here. For this, we would try to promote lesser known destinations in the region,” he said.

          The major sporting events would be held in the district in which participants from different countries would participate. The department would promote the district for the adventure tourism activities.

          The Director said that the high peaks which are 6000 meters and above in height will be identified and all such peaks in Kargil will be used for adventure tourism. This will help in tourism promotion of the region. He urged the hoteliers to avail all the schemes by Government of India for the infrastructure development and upgradation of their units.

          Earlier, the Director visited Drass and the lesser known spots in the area. Besides taking the stock of the tourism facilities in the area, he visited Maskoh Valley and Bimbat Village to promote the places among travelers.

          Maskoh Valley is a small village with beautiful landscape through which River Drass flows while as the Bimbat has a historic importance as the place has a large rock which is believed to be body of Pandava Bhimsen in the solidified form. Till date, the rock is perceived to be a holy relic. The site has become an attraction among the travelers.

          Director has also ordered for making a proper road and trekking path leading to the site.