Ladakh’s first Ice climbing festival was held at Gangles valley on February 1 to 3.

The festival was organised by Ladakh Mountain Guide Association in collaboration with Himalayan Institute of Alternatives (HIAL) supported by Hill Council, Leh; Department of Wildlife Protection UT Ladakh; ALTOA and RIMO expeditions.  

Radha Krishna Mathur, Lieutenant Governor Ladakh lauded Ladakh Mountain Guide Association for introducing ice-climbing, bringing forth the aim of UT Administration to promote winter tourism in Ladakh.

He further extended all support to promote this sport.

Gyal P Wangyal, CEC, Hill Council, Leh appreciated the organisers for putting their hard work and effort into this sport and fest. Encouraging the sport-lovers, he suggested exploring the possibility of introducing snow-skiing in Ladakh. 

He said that with the announcement of ₹5,958 crores to Ladakh in the recent budget session, many aspirations of the people of Ladakh will be fulfilled.

Dr. Motup Dorjey, Chief Medical Officer Leh; Tsetan Angchuk, President All Ladakh Tour Operator Association (ALTOA); mountain climbers and sports enthusiasts were also present.