GILGIT: The Gilgit-Baltistan government with the support of an Italian organisation has started a professional high-altitude guides training programme to build the trust of mountaineers from around the world to take on peaks in Pakistan.

The first session of the programme was held in Gilgit on Wednesday, which was conducted by Italian trainers from EvK2CNR as well as trainers from other international institutions.

A total of 35 local mountaineers from across Gilgit-Baltisan, among them experienced as well as new climbers, would be imparted training - both physically and theoretically.

The training will last for two years and in the end, international certificates will be awarded to the participants.

The opening ceremony was attended by GB Additional Chief Secretary retired Capt Mushtaq Ahmed, International Federation of Mountain Guides Association President Urs Walleuer, Kurt Walde from IFMGA, Maurizio Gallo from EvK2CNR, Director Tourism Gilgit-Baltistan Iqbal Hussain, Commandant Rattu Col Khalil and President Alpine Club of Pakistan Abu Zafar.

According to a statement, the High-Altitude Guides Training Programme - a comprehensive initiative by EvK2CNR and Department of Tourism GB - aims to equip participants with the necessary skills and knowledge required to excel in guiding on mountains.

The curriculum covers a wide array of subjects, including safety protocols, climbing, high-altitude sickness, first aid, topography, emergency response and environmental conservation practices.

Speaking on the occasion, Regional Manager EvK2CNR Gilgit-Baltistan Arif Hussain expressed gratitude for the support and participation of the guests.

President International Federation of Mountain Guides Association Urs Valleuer lauded the initiative.

He said mountaineering had great potential in Pakistan, and it could be further promoted through professional guides who were internationally certified. He assured the participants of IFMGA’s support during training and certification.

Director Tourism GB Iqbal Hussain emphasised the importance of such training programmes in fostering responsible and skilled high-altitude guides who contributed to the safety and well-being of those exploring mountainous regions.

Maurizio Gallo gave a brief orientation about the training, its objectives, duration and key thematic areas to be covered in two years.

He said at the end of the training, participants would be awarded with multiple international certificates after a thorough evaluation of trainees.

GB Additional Chief Secretary retired Capt Mushtaq Ahmed acknowledged the vital role of high-altitude guides in promoting tourism and adventure sports while emphasising the need for a sustainable and eco-friendly approach.

He highlighted the potential of adventure tourism in Gilgit-Baltistan that could be enhanced with improved mountaineering services.

Alpine Club of Pakistan President Abu Zafar and Baltistan Association of Tour Operators President Ayaz Shigri appreciated the initiative and expressed their willingness to extend all support in making the training a successful event.

GB Tourism Department Director Iqbal Hussain told Dawn that it was the first programme to train local mountaineers for high altitude guides as per international standards.

The 35 mountaineers have been selected from across Gilgit-Baltistan who will be trained by international experts in various areas for two years. The under-training local mountaineers will be trained as high-altitude guides as well as for search and rescue operations on peaks in case of accidents.

The availability of such professional high-altitude guides in Gilgit-Baltistan would boost the trust of international climbers to visit Pakistan to climb peaks, he said.

Published in Dawn, February 29th, 2024