Pahalgam, October 23, 2025 – The Jawahar Institute of Mountaineering and Winter Sports (JIM&WS)marked a resounding success with its annual Lidderwat Trail Run 2025, a high-altitude endurance challenge that drew over 500 enthusiastic participants from across India. The exhilarating event, flagged off from the picturesque meadows of Aru Valley and culminating at the scenic Pahalgam, celebrated the spirit of adventure, fitness, and resilience against the majestic backdrop of the Lidder River and snow-capped Himalayan ranges.
Established in 1983 as a premier center for mountaineering and winter sports training under the Ministry of Defence and the Government of Jammu & Kashmir, JIM&WS has long been synonymous with fostering outdoor excellence. This year’s Trail Run, the third edition in the Lidderwat series, spanned a demanding 14-kilometer course navigating rugged terrains, alpine forests, and glacial streams—testing participants’ stamina at elevations exceeding 2,500 meters. Among the runners were students from diverse backgrounds, including over 150 young women, underscoring the institute’s commitment to inclusive youth empowerment and gender parity in adventure sports.The event kicked off at dawn with an inspiring address by JIM&WS Director, Col. (Retd.) Sarfaraz Singh, who emphasized the run’s role in promoting physical and mental well-being. “The Lidderwat Trail Run is more than a race; it’s a journey of self-discovery, building character and unity among our nation’s youth. With over 500 participants, we’ve shattered records and reinforced Kashmir’s stature as a global adventure hub,” Singh remarked.
Categories included junior, senior, and open divisions, with age groups ranging from 12 to 45 years, ensuring broad accessibility.Winners were felicitated amid cheers at the Pahalgam finish line, where podium finishers received medals, certificates, and trophies sponsored by local tourism bodies. Top honors went to 16-year-old prodigy Aisha Khan from Srinagar in the junior women’s category (time: 1:28:45) and endurance athlete Vikram Joshi from Delhi in the men’s open (1:12:30). The event also featured hydration stations, medical support, and eco-awareness workshops, aligning with JIM&WS’s ethos of sustainable adventure.Building on previous editions—like the 2023 run with 300 participants—this 2025 spectacle highlights Kashmir’sburgeoning sports ecosystem, complementing initiatives such as the Indian Heaven Premier League (IHPL)and chess triumphs by local talents.
As participants crossed the finish line, the run not only boosted tourism in Pahalgam but also inspired a new wave of fitness enthusiasts, proving that the valley’s trails are trails to triumph.Keywords: Jawahar Institute Mountaineering, JIM&WS Pahalgam, Lidderwat Trail Run 2025, Aru Valley Run, Pahalgam Trail, Kashmir Adventure Sports, Youth Participation, Himalayan Endurance Run, Student Athletes, Winter Sports Institute, High-Altitude Trail, Adventure Training, Jammu Kashmir Tourism, Fitness Challenge, Eco-Awareness Event.
