UDHAMPUR, SEPTEMBER 25: Continuing its efforts to promote the
all-encompassing beauty of nature and adventure tourism potential of
Patnitop Tourism Circuit, the Patnitop Development Authority kicked off
'Visit Patnitop', a new event series.
For the first event of the initiative, PDA collaborated with Shri Mata
Vaishno Devi University to organise one of the most sought-after treks to
the historical Shankhpal Temple.
Held on with support from the Department of Tourism J&K, District
Administration Ramban and Udhampur, a group of 70 trekkers was flagged
off by Thakur Sher Singh, Chief Executive Officer PDA.
The trekkers snaked their way through lush green meadows, misty
environs, and nomadic settlements to reach the highest point of Shankhpal
ridge almost 9383 ft high, where the centuries old temple of the local deity
is situated.
For the students and faculty of SMVDU, hailing from Jammu and
Kashmir, and states like Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh,
Madhya Pradesh, Delhi and Bihar, it was an opportunity to step away from
their rigmarole studies, unplug from the routine and commune with the
nature.
"The University has endeavoured to expose the students to the rich
and natural flora and fauna of Himalayas and develop a healthy, active and
enriching lifestyle," said Nagendra Singh Jamwal, Registrar SMVDU.
"As a destination with plenty to offer, we have planned a series of
events under 'Visit Patnitop' to spotlight unique destinations and activities,
and to drive interest and traffic to this tourism circuit," said Thakur Sher
Singh.
"The Sanasar Shankhpal Trek passes through stunning trails and is a
part of the world renowned trek from Pancheri – Sanasar – Patnitop – Sudh
Mahadev – Mantalai. It provides awe-inspiring views of the Middle
Himalayas on one side and the Greater Himalayas on the other side," he
added.
During the trek, trekkers from SMVDU and a team of PDA collected
the waste from the route under the PDA initiative ‘CARRY THE TRASH
BACK'.
While felicitating the participants, the CEO PDA said that trekkers,
adventure enthusiasts from all over the country and abroad can make use
of the Youth Hostel and a variety of hotels as per ones budget to explore
the beautiful landscape of Patnitop Tourism Circuit from Sanasar to
Basantgarh.
