National Heritage Trek expedition to commence from May 15
Over 2000 trekkers to participate in trek expedition

Udhampur, May 05 -Over 2000 trekkers from within and outside the State are taking part in National Heritage Trek Expedition in different groups from Panchari to Mantalai, is commencing on May 15, 2009, sponsored by the Youth Hostel Association of India (YHAI), J&K Branch in collaboration with Directorate of Tourism, J&K Government.

The 07 days trek expedition from Panchari to Mantali touches unique heritage sites, green meadows and pastures; lofty mountains’ thick deodar forests; clear natural water springs; brooks etc. which provide trekkers, a glimpse of magnificent natural and built heritage of the State, offering youth a new trekking route combined with healthy outdoor activity.

The base camp of the trekkers would be at Udhampur where adequate arrangements of their stay and food etc. have been made by the organizers. The first batch of trekkers would leave Udhampur on May 15 in the morning which after visiting holy Devika site, famous Pandva temple complex at Krimchi , would reach at Panchari for night halt. The next batch would reach Udhampur on the same evening and would leave for expedition on next morning accordingly and so on.

This was divulged at a meeting of officers of various departments held to review the arrangements of security and other logistic support from the district administration to YHAI under the chairmanship of District Development Commissioner, Udhampur, Mr. Ajay Khajuria, here on Tuesday.
Project Director, Adventure Promotion, YHAI, K.K. Gandotra, Col. R.P. Chowdhry of 71 Sub Area, Chief Planning Officer, H.H. Dutt, Chief Education Officer, V.M. Sharma, District Youth Services and Sports Officer, S.K.Bhat, Dy. S.P (HQ), S.M. Jangral and Organizing Secretary, YHAI, Udhampur, Sunil Badyal, were present in the meeting.

Speaking on the occasion, the DDC appreciated the initiatives and efforts of Youth Hostel Association of India in sponsoring and organizing the trek expedition which provides a chance to trekkers to have a glimpse of nature and acquaintance with cultural and traditions of the areas. He also assured the organizing agency of full logistic support from the administration whatever needed. The DDC also called upon the YHAI to maintain quality of food being served to trekkers and putting every activity of the expedition in black and white to avoid chances of confusion.

The DDC stressed upon the Police, Chief Education Officer, DYS&SO, Health department and engineering departments like PWD, PHE and PDD to render all possible assistance to organizers of expedition by adopting planned and pro-active approach so that trekkers may not face any difficulty, inconvenience or insecurity.

Project Director, Adventure Promotion gave a detailed resume of the expedition and arrangements of boarding, lodging. Medicare, food and engagement of cooks and local guides for the trekkers etc. made by his Association to ensure smooth conduct of the Heritage Trek expedition.