Tourists seeking adventure in the idyllic Kashmir Valley have a new attraction - an artificial rock climbing wall in the heart of the city. The wall, constructed at a cost of Rs 95 lakh, is 12 meter high with three faces for various types of events like bouldering, speed and lead. Inaugurating the international standard wall, Tourism Minister Nawang Rigzin Jora said that in order to give fillip to the sport, the 18th North Zone Sports climbing championship will be held at the new facility from September 9.

170 participants from the northern states are expected to participate in this championship. Jora said yesterday that the championship will boost adventure tourism related activities and promote rock climbing as a competitive sport.

In order to inculcate spirit of adventure among the youth, the Tourism Department in collaboration with Department of Youth Services and Sports will conduct a seven-day coaching camp for them. Jora also noted that the state has bagged two national awards for best tourist destination this year.