Adventure Tourism Trials Conducted in Namchi District to Boost Local Livelihoods
Publish Date : 06/05/2025
Namchi, 6 May (IPR): In a significant move to enhance adventure tourism in Sikkim, successful trial runs for zip lining, rock climbing, paragliding, and mountain biking were conducted today across various locations—Upper Sukrabarey, Gupti, Tamley Chaur, and Ramitey Dara—within the Melli Constituency of Namchi District.
The trials were carried out in the esteemed presence of the Area MLA for Melli Constituency- Mr N B Pradhan, Zilla Adhakshya Namchi – Ms Anjeeta Rajalim, Panchayat Members from Turuk Ramabong and Sadam-Suntaley GPUs, Deputy Director (Tourism) Ms Lamin Theengh, and representatives from the Upper Sadam-Sukrabarey, Gupti-Ramitey Tourism Development Society.
The initiative is spearheaded by the Upper Sadam-Sukrabarey, Gupti-Ramitey Tourism Development Society under the leadership of the Zilla Adhakshya, with support from the Sikkim United Tourism Organisation. It aims to cultivate sustainable tourism activities to generate livelihood opportunities for the local population.
Adventure Zone Sikkim (AZS), led by Mr Raju Rai—Proprietor and Technical Head—conducted the trials with support from the Cycling Association of Sikkim (CAS).
Expert climbers from AZS, under the leadership of Mr Bikash Rawat, successfully carried out rock climbing activities at Gupti Bhir. The trial involved both ascent and descent of the cliff face, offering crucial insights into terrain characteristics and safety measures for future expeditions.
CAS experts Mr Sangay Wangdi Bhutia and Mr Phugtshok Chopel Bhutia mapped out a 5.5 km mountain biking route from Tamley Chaur to Ramitey Dara.
This route was personally hiked and evaluated by the Area MLA, Zilla Adhakshya, and other stakeholders to assess its feasibility for hosting biking events and future tourism engagement.
A trial run for the proposed zip line at Gupti was successfully completed, assessing its alignment, safety parameters, and overall viability for permanent installation.
A paragliding trial run was also conducted on 5th May by AZS, from Ramitey Dara to Upper Sukrabarey Public Ground, which served as the designated take-off and landing zones respectively.
Addressing the gathering, Area MLA Mr N B Pradhan underlined the economic and cultural importance of tourism for the region. He commended the state government’s leadership and outlined several upcoming tourism projects for the constituency.
He also urged stakeholders to take a proactive role in sustaining tourism growth and encouraged the preparation of a comprehensive proposal for submission to the Chief Minister.
Additionally, the MLA recommended follow-up activities post-October to help highlight the region’s tourism potential.
Zilla Adhakshya Ms Anjeeta Rajalim reiterated the immense tourism potential of the region and reaffirmed her commitment to initiatives that support economic empowerment and sustainable development.