International trekking in Sikkim gets underway

SHIVADEEP RAI
Gangtok: The ‘Khangchendzonga International Trekking’ was flagged off by Mr. SBS Badoria, Secretary State Tourism Department from Soreng Power Guest House on May 3. The trekking is organized by State Tourism Department (STD), co-sponsored by Sikkim State Aids Control Society (SSACS) and supported by Sikkim Association of Adventure Tour Operators (SAATO) and Travel Agents Association of Sikkim (TAAS). At least 32 trekkers including 21 from overseas countries like Germany, Holland, Australia, Hungary, Canada, France, England, Israel.
Other participants are from various states of India including 5 from Sikkim.
The trekkers are accompanied by two guides (one professional and one local) and seven porters. They will take the route of Soreng to Bersey, Bersey to Jorebutey, Jorenutey to Kalijar, Kalijar to Chewabhanjyang, Chewa to Uttarey, Uttarey to Hee-Bermoik and Hee-Bermoik to Soreng. They will trail through hills, valleys, streams, forests and will enjoy the view of majestic mountains and serene country side. The trekking would conclude on May 10. The ‘Khangchendzonga International Trekking’ continues till May 31 and trekkers from all over the world will participate in the trekking in different groups.
One of the trekkers Mr. Gsolt Verzelovszki from Hungary, who owns an internet company, conveyed his pleasure to be a part of the trek in which he will get the opportunity to take the pleasure of nature and Himalayas. He is accompanied by his 13-yr old son Soma who is the youngest trekker in the group.
The trekking aims at promoting some of the most exciting yet undiscovered adventure areas in west Sikkim and also to promote Sikkim as an ideal eco-tourism destination in the Himalayas.
Mr. Badoria said that Sikkim is blessed with rich nature and scenic beauty of Himalayas and mountains. He believes that the trekkers will definitely enjoy the trek. He requested the trekkers to give their feedback after completion of the trek. Additional Secretary of STD Mr. BR Subba said that the trekking is just an introduction to the international trekking by the department and from next year it will be for the tourism stake holders of Sikkim to take up the trekking. He also said that the trekking will help to familiarize the guides, who had participated in capacity building programmes for guides, with Nature and their profession.
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