Ladakh holds first-ever ice climbing fest

Our Correspondent

Leh, February 1

The Union Territory of Ladakh is holding the first-ever ice climbing festival from February 1 to 3 at the Gangles valley, situated below the Khardongla, the world’s highest motorable road.

Ice climbing is an extreme adventurous sport and the event is perhaps the first of its kind in the country. The aim is to promote winter tourism in Ladakh through ice climbing, which is a popular sport abroad.

The festival is being organised by the Ladakh Mountain Guide Association in collaboration with the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, Leh, All Ladakh Tours Operator Association, Himalayan Institute of Alternative, Ladakh, and the Ice Stupa Project.

The president of the Ladakh Mountain Guide Association said Ladakh had a huge scope in adventure and extreme sports which had not been explored yet. “We thought of introducing ice climbing in Ladakh this season while participating in the ongoing ice stupa competition,” he said.

During the festival, the members of the Ladakh Mountain Association will provide free equipment to the participants and teach them ice climbing.

The Ladakh Mountain Guide Association president said Lt Governor of the Union Territory of Ladakh RK Mathur had consented to attend the festival on the second day.