Srinagar: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Monday highlighted the importance of repeat tourism in Kashmir, while underlining the necessity of offering something new and refreshing each time –like adventure tourism. He also met several delegations at the public outreach office – Raabita — here, and held wide-ranging discussions on development, overall functioning of institutions and public welfare issues, an official press release informed.
Speaking at the launch of the book “Valleys of Jammu and Kashmir – A Tribute to the Soul of Jammu and Kashmir” authored by Mehmood A. Shah, Managing Director, Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited, at a local hotel here, the Chief Minister said, “If we aspire to promote repeat tourism, we must recognize that tourists won’t return solely for our Mughal gardens or the Tulip bloom, nor just for the gondola rides.
“They return when offered something new—something refreshing each time. Adventure tourism provides exactly that. No two experiences are ever the same. The trail looks different in the morning than it does at sunset. Each trek offers a unique story,” the Chief Minister said.
According to an official press release, calling for preservation and promotion of the region’s historic trekking routes, he said these trails, connecting Jammu with Kashmir and Kashmir with Ladakh—are not just physical pathways, but cultural corridors of heritage and sustainable tourism.
“It is imperative that we market our trekking routes not just as a tourism product, but as part of our ecological and cultural legacy. We must not confine ourselves to markets where advisories act as obstacles. There are many countries with no such restrictions, whose tourists would be eager to explore our terrain,” he said, calling for joint efforts with Ladakh to keep traditional routes alive and accessible.
Referring to the current situation, Omar Abdullah said it was unfortunate that the book is being released at a time when many of the trekking routes described in it remain inaccessible due to recent developments.
“Reading this book evokes both admiration and sadness. Admiration for the unmatched natural wealth we possess, and sadness because we are not able to experience or share it at present. It is my heartfelt hope, and indeed my effort, that these routes will soon be reopened for our youth, trekkers and visitors,” he said.
Reflecting on his personal regret at not having trekked these trails, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah praised the author’s dedication and passion. “Mr. Shah is truly fortunate to have explored these routes over the last 20–25 years. His experiences, beautifully documented in this volume, reflect deep commitment and love for the land.”
The Chief Minister emphasized the need for digitizing the book to ensure wider accessibility. “If we want this work to benefit those who are truly interested in trekking, we must digitize it—perhaps through an app. Let the coordinates, photographs, anecdotes, and waypoints become a digital guide for adventure lovers,” he suggested.
He added that while the book will adorn coffee tables, its real value lies in becoming a functional resource that inspires exploration and fosters sustainable tourism.
On the occasion, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, and the author Mehmood A. Shah also spoke. The event was moderated by noted endocrinologist Dr. Shariq Masoodi and was attended by prominent figures from the travel, trade, tourism and media.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today met several delegations at the public outreach office – Raabita — here, and held wide-ranging discussions on development, overall functioning of institutions and public welfare issues, an official press release informed.
It said Dr. Mohammad Jaffar Akhoon, Chief Executive Councillor from Kargil, led a deputation to apprise the Chief Minister of several challenges being faced by students and patients from Ladakh, particularly from Kargil, in different educational and healthcare institutions across Jammu and Kashmir.
The deputation also raised various civic issues affecting the residents of Ladakh living in the J&K, seeking timely redressal and support.
Prof. Jawaid Iqbal, Vice Chancellor of Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University (BGSBU), Rajouri, briefed the Chief Minister about the functioning of the university. The VC discussed several ongoing academic and administrative initiatives at the university and sought the Chief Minister’s support for strengthening higher education in the region.
Sandeep Sharma, Zonal Head of ICICI Bank, also called on the Chief Minister and discussed matters related to the bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. He informed the Chief Minister about the rescue vehicle provided for Dachigam and initiatives aimed at employment generation and community welfare.
Brigadier Deepak Sajjan Har from NCC, Srinagar, met the Chief Minister to present a memento in connection with the NCC Everest Expedition–2025, highlighting the achievements and commitment of the NCC cadets to contribute to national pride and adventure sports activities.
Later, Sameer Baktoo, Chairman of the Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI), J&K Chapter, met the Chief Minister along with a visiting team from SKAL INTERNATIONAL. The team, currently on a visit from Mumbai, discussed the upcoming SKAL India Convention and proposed to make the event Kashmir-centric in the post-Yatra season, with an aim to promote the region’s tourism potential globally.
The Chief Minister gave a patient hearing to all deputations and assured appropriate action and continued government support as may be necessary, the press release said.
