The Department of Tourism, Kashmir, in collaboration with Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) and JK Mountaineering and Hiking Club (JKMHC) organized first of its kind Himalayan traverse expedition from Kargil to Pahalgam through the Suru La and Gulol Gali passes. The trekkers left from Kargil on August 11 and completed the expedition today.It was the first Trans Himalayan Traverse from Kargil towards Suru Valley and Zanskar Valley and is one of the most challenging and thrilling trekking route for adventure lovers as compared to others Himalayan traverse.The team comprised members from Tourism Department, JKMHC, AKTTA and Roots Ladakh who covered 72 kilometer distance in the expedition.The team started from Maita in Suru Valley and while ascending the Shanshinala crossed Suru La which is 16142 feet high above the sea level to reach Sain Nala in upper Wadwan area of Kishtawar.
The team descended to reach Rangmarg meadow and then ascended the 14326 feet high Gulol Gali to reach Pahalgam.Ghulam Rasool Lal from Tourism department, who was the team leader, said they surveyed and explored this Trans Himalayan Traverse to put the new trekking route on tourist map so that the interested tourists may get details about the route.Director Tourism Kashmir, Mahmood A Shah said the main purpose to organize this expedition was to get young adventure tour operators exposed to long trekking expeditions.He said this trekking expedition is one of the difficult routes and passes through most beautiful areas in the Western Himalayas.“It can be a great attraction for adventure lovers and mountaineers,” he said.Last year also, the Department organized trekking expedition through Chulig La besides organizing climbathon.This year also Kargil marathon was organized to promote Kargil as an adventure destination besides bringing new trekking routes on tourism map of the world, the Director said.