Ladakh Ice-Climbing festival concluded today in Gangles

The second edition of Ladakh Ice-Climbing festival concluded today in Gangles. Deputy Chairman, LAHDC Leh, Tsering Angchuk, was the chief guest at the occasion. Councillor Upper Leh, Phuntsog Stanzin Tsepag, Councillor Lamayuru, Morup Dorjey and Founder HIAL, Sonam Wangchuk were the guest of honour. The festival was organised by Ladakh Mountain Guide Association (LMGA) from 9th to 11th February in collaboration with the Department of Tourism/Wildlife, LAHDC Leh, Administration of UT Ladakh, HIAL, ALTOA, RIMO Expedition, TSAF India and other supporters to promote winter tourism in the region through ice climbing a popular winter sport. President, LMGA in his welcome speech highlighted the motive behind conducting such adventure sports and the need for training youths in this profession. He also gave a demonstration on types of equipment used for ice-climbing. Deputy Chairman, Angchuk lauded the team of organisers for the initiative of promoting and encouraging youths of Leh to participate in winter adventure sports. He said that the idea brings forth the aim of LAHDC Leh to promote winter tourism in Ladakh and to keep everyone physically as well as mentally fit during the course of winter. He also informed that LAHDC Leh would extend all support in the promotion of this sport throughout the region. Addressing the gathering, founder HIAL, Sonam Wangchuk highlighted the need for nurturing young talents from Ladakh in winter adventure sports. He appreciated the organisers and trainers for putting in their hard work and efforts in conducting this festival. Sonam Wangchuk also highlighted the importance of artificial glaciers and sloping glaciers for the sustainability of Ladakh’s fragile ecosystem. Councillor Upper Leh, Stanzin Tsepag said that such events will encourage youths from Leh who are now appreciating the value of mountaineering and adventure sports which were neglected and under-appreciated before. He also said that Ladakh has the potential to become a centre of winter sports in the Himalayas which would boost winter tourism in the valley.