Zubair Ahmad

Kupwara, Feb 22 (KNS): In order to promote adventure tourism activities and to uncover new tourist destinations in remote and far-flung areas of north Kashmir, a team of "Wander Beyond Boundaries" 4×4 Extreme Expedition ventured beyond famous 'Sadhna Pass' on Sunday. 

The team, which was flagged off by Dr G N ltoo, Director J&K Tourism on 19 February, is being led by Col Satinder Malik (retd) and Ms Nidhi. On arrival at Baghbella, the team was joined by a team of local 24 bikers of Karnah. 

The adventure team drove up to famous and historical Teetwal, wherein it was flagged in by Brigadier S P Consul,  Commander Shakti Vijay Brigade. A large number of locals were present on the occasion to welcome the team at Teetwal.
      
It is highlighted that the expedition is being organised by 'Wander Beyond Boundaries' (WBB) in association with the Department of J&K Tourism, CEAT and Terrain Fit.
      
After initial welcome at Teetwal, the rock band, 'Shining Karnah' organised a mega musical event for the expedition team, the bikers and the locals of Karnah it included local folk music and bhangra performance on peppy songs. Post musical performance, the expedition team was felicitated by Brigadier Consul.  

Speaking on the occasion, Brigadier Consul expressed a great hope that events like these will give a major fillip to tourism activities in Karnah which has immense potential for off roading, sightseeing, mountain biking, trekking, skiing, adventure camps and local folk music. 

He stated that the Indian Army and the civil administration are working jointly to develop  the tourism infrastructures which will lead to provisioning of jobs for youths and progress the local economy. 

He informed that a skiing node will be a reality soon in Tangdhar. "Besides mountain biking clubs will also be functional in couple of months here. A number of folk festivals will also be organized on a regular basis to complement the other tourist avenues in Karnah."

It would be pertinent to mention here that a number of good quality R&B and forest department guest houses are available at very reasonable rates in Karnah. 

Besides locals, people are interested and enthusiastic about hosting the tourists as 'paying guests'. By availing the same tourists can learn and enjoy the local culture and cuisines. (KNS)