The batch was flagged off by President Youth Hostels of Association of India (YHAI) M S Pandit from Udhampur, 65 kms from here.
The trekking expedition has been organised by YHAI in collaboration with Directorate of Education and Tourism Jammu, district administration and Patnitop Developmental Authority.
Addressing the trekkers, Pandit said, "We in youth hostelling movement believe in 'wandering we gather honey' and that is why we are promoting such adventurous activities throughout the world".
He said that youth hostelling promotes the participation of youth belonging to lower middle income group in such activities by providing them facilities at no profit no loss basis.
National Heritage Trek has brought Udhampur on the tourist map of India and is marching ahead to find a place in the international tourist map for adventure related activities, Pandit said. PTI AB ASY
SPC
