Gilgit: Tourism department of Gilgit-Baltistan and EvK2CNR, announced the high-altitude guides training program in the G-B region. The two years training program would have international certificates for the participants after completion of the task.
The Italian trainers of EvK2CNR and other institutions are conducting the training program.
The opening ceremony was attended by Captain retired Mushtaq Ahmed, Additional Chief Secretary G-B, Urs Walleuer, President International Federation of Mountain Guides Association, Kurt Walde, IFMGA, Maurizio Gallo, EvK2CNR, Iqbal Hussain, Director Tourism G-B, Col. Khalil commandant Rattu, Abu Zafar, President Alpine Club of Pakistan.
All the participants learned expertise, experience, and shared commitment to advancing the field of high-altitude guiding. The High-Altitude Guides Training program, a comprehensive initiative taken by EvK2CNR and Department of Tourism G-B, aimed at equipping participants with necessary skills and knowledge required to excel in guiding on
mountains and high altitude.
The curriculum covers a wide ranging subjects including safety protocols, climbing, high altitude sickness, first aid, topography, emergency response, and environmental conservation practices.
The event started with a warm welcome address by Arif Hussain, Regional Manager EvK2CNR G-B, who expressed gratitude for the support and participation of the guests both physically or online.
Speaking on the occasion, Urs Valleuer President International Federation of Mountain Guides Association, lauded the initiative taken for promoting skills and guide training on high mountainous region.
He said that mountaineering in Pakistan had a great potential that could be enhanced with professional guides who are internationally certified in this field. He assured to give the support from IFMGA during the training and in the certification program.
The Director Tourism G-B, emphasized the importance of training programs in fostering responsible and skilled high-altitude guides that contribute t
o the safety and well-being of those exploring mountainous region.
Maurizio Gallo while giving a brief orientation about the training and objectives, said that duration and key thematic areas would be covered in two-years training program.
Maurizio Gallo said that at the end of the training, the participants would be awarded with multiple international certificates.
The chief guest acknowledged the vital role of high-altitude guides in promoting tourism and adventure sports.
He emphasized the need for sustainable and eco-friendly approach. He highlighted the potential of the adventure tourism in G-B that could be promoted through mountaineering services.
The President of Alpine Club of Pakistan Abu Zafar and President of Baltistan Association of Tour Operators Ayaz Shigri, appreciated the initiatives and expressed their willingness to extend full support in making the training program a successful event.