After three days of sightseeing in Spiti, Mountain Goat racers off to Rampur

Mandi, February 22

Additional Deputy Commissioner Kaza Rahul Jain today flagged off the Mountain Goat Expedition from Spiti valley of the tribal district Lahaul as well as Spiti to Rampur in Shimla district.

This expedition started in Shimla on February 17 and stayed put in Spiti for three days. Around 200 members of the expedition visited various tourist places in Spiti across three days. The expedition passed through places like Tabo, Kaza, Faldar Maidan, Rangrik, Murang, Chichim Bridge and Langcha.

Lahaul and Spiti MLA Ravi Thakur said, “Mountain Goat Expedition reached Spiti this year with more than 80 vehicles. This type of expedition has proven to be very helpful in further strengthening the tourism of Spiti. Winter tourism has been flourishing in Spiti over the last few years. The state government has been working towards improving the basic infrastructure to harness tourism in the region. In this year’s budget, a plan has been made to further develop Kaza and Chandratal for tourism purpose.”

Strengthening tourism industry

Mountain Goat Expedition reached Spiti this year with more than 80 vehicles. This type of expedition has proven to be very helpful in strengthening the tourism of Spiti. Winter tourism has been flourishing in Spiti over the last few years. The state government has been working towards improving the basic infrastructure to harness tourism in the region. In this year’s budget, a plan has been made to further develop Kaza and Chandratal for tourism. — Rahul Jain, ADC

ADC Rahul Jain said “When more than 200 persons come together in Spiti, the tourism gets a boost. With the expeditions taking place in winter, now tourism business is being carried out in Spiti throughout the year. After the agriculture sector, tourism is emerging as the second major sector as a source of income for the people here. The local administration is trying to provide all possible assistance.”

“Ever since we reached Spiti Valley, snowfall has been continuous. Tourists from all over the country and Nepal have come for our expedition,” said Mountain Goat Expedition founder Suraj.

“We get continuous support from the state government, tourism department and local administration. We express our gratitude to Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu for encouraging us,” he said.

He said this event, which was launched in 2015, involves thrills — and danger, for which the participants should be well-prepared.

“Usually such rallies are organised in the months of May-June, but this rally has been organised in the month of February, so that the participants can enjoy snowfall.

Therefore, participants should take better measures for safety and carry adequate amount of food items, as they will have to pass through glaciers,” he added.