A ten days Mountain leadership training for the youths of Ladakh was launched on June 10 at Lotsava Auditorium, J&K Culture Academy, Leh.

The training was organised by All Ladakh Tour Operators’ Association (ALTOA) with experts from the International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation (ICMF), commonly known by its French name Union Internationale des Associations d’Alpinisme (UIAA).

The trainers representing UIAA from different parts of the world including Austria, UK, Nepal and Cyprus were present. They will be training the trainers using certified climbing equipment. 

The objective of the training is to promote mountaineering and climbing in Leh by advancing safe and ethical mountain practices. Also, it is to educate youths of Ladakh in pursuing mountaineering as a profession, promoting mountain sustainability, leaving no waste, respect for the mountain community, and the environment. 

Tsetan Angchuk, President, ALTOA mentioned that the training will create leaders of the mountains and will further train new guides, thereby building a community of certified and skilled mountain guides. 

He also added that it would benefit the trekking mountain guides and make the adventure stronger and more robust. 

Steve Long, Chairman, UIAA training panel, said,  “We are ready to come back with ALTOA and provide leadership to bring a whole lot of potential, new instructors and also trek leaders. Our philosophy is to empower locals as they could pass on their learnings to other people.”

The event is being sponsored by J&K Tourism, The Himalayan Club and LAHDC, and supported by Ladakh Mountain Guide Association, Rimo Expedition and ALTOA