Srinagar, May 10 : A five-member team of International Mountaineering Federation (IMF) in association with the tourism department of Kashmir promotes trekking destinations in the state.

The relief and terrain of Kashmir offers exciting opportunities for mountaineering in the state. Mountaineering as an adventure sports is fast catching up with tourists coming to the Kashmir valley.

For adventure sports enthusiasts, the scenic sylvan beauty of the Kashmir valley offers exciting adventure holiday prospects.

"They were out in the mountains, trekking and camping, getting a first hand feel of their experience in Kashmir. And as you can see, they went back very happy and we are very hopeful that they will carry the message across the world to mountaineers and trekkers that mountain routes are opened, our trekking routes are opened and what great opportunity people have to come and enjoy the sport in Kashmir," said Sarmad Hafeez, Joint Director Tourism Department.

The IMF team of five members was here to assist the tourism department in promoting trekking destinations for which the team had detailed discussions.

"We are here following the invitation of the IMF and the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Board who have given us a wonderful glimpse of the luxury of living in Kashmir on a houseboat. But I personally feel that it is a very good idea before one goes to experience the thrill of the mountains and the simple offer we have is to bring our technical expertise to the development of mountain tourism," observed Robert Pettigrew, President of Access and Conservation Commission.

The team also visited some high altitude trekking places including Aru Pahalgam and is expected to help boost tourism in the valley.

The Kashmir valley abounds in mountaineering destinations as the mighty Himalayas towering 10,000 to 28, 0000 feet above sea level, offers breathtaking vistas surrounding the entire valley.

There are several options for mountaineering in Kashmir since a host of famous peaks including Kolahoi (known as the Matterhorn of Kashmir), Harmukh, Tattakuti, Sunset
(highest peak in the Pir Panjal range) and a number of small peaks in Sonamarg and Pahalgam are located in this region.

Kashmir region is going through a phase of economic transformation and sustaining tourism in the state is vital since it is the mainstay of the state's economy. (ANI)