Gangtok, October 14 (IPR): In preparation for the upcoming Sikkim Adventure Tourism Festival 2026, a two-day recce programme was undertaken on 13-14 October by teams from the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department and the Information and Public Relations Department, Government of Sikkim, along with key stakeholders, to assess the feasibility, operational readiness and safety arrangements for various adventure tourism activities proposed for the festival.
The recce covered key adventure tourism locations across Pakyong, Soreng and Namchi districts, with the teams conducting on-site assessments of paragliding, rafting, hiking and cycling activities, along with proposed activity routes, access points, landing sites and associated logistical requirements.
On the first day, the team visited Pakyong, Thumki Dara, Rorathang and other identified locations to inspect the proposed paragliding take-off and landing sites. A live flying demonstration was also conducted to assess site conditions, including elevation, terrain profile and wind patterns, and evaluate their suitability for safe paragliding operations.
The second day focused on the proposed festival venue at Linkhim Tar, Namthang, in Namchi district. The team inspected the site and assessed the areas identified for paragliding and rafting activities, including the feasibility of short-duration adventure experiences and proposed routes connecting surrounding locations with the festival venue.
In Soreng district, a paragliding recce was undertaken from Chakhung to Jorethang, with the team examining the proposed flight route, landing arrangements and technical and safety requirements. The exercise also included an evaluation of elevation profiles, wind speed and direction to determine the suitability of the route for paragliding operations.
Hiking routes in and around Chakhung were also assessed as part of the recce to examine their suitability for adventure tourism activities and visitor experiences during the festival.
Accommodation and visitor facilities were also reviewed, including an inspection of homestays at Chakhung in Soreng district to assess their suitability for participating teams and visitors during the festival.
Simultaneously, a rapid rafting recce session from Rangpo to Linkhim Tar was also conducted as part of the exercise, which had the participation of Chairman, Tourism and Civil Aviation Department, Mr Sonam Norgay Lachungpa, Field Director, Department of Tourism, GTA, Dr Dawa Gyalpo Sherpa, along with officials from the Government of Sikkim.
A cycling recce and equipment testing session was also conducted at the Institute of Himalayan Centre for Adventure and Eco-Tourism (IHCAE), Chemchey, where the cycles and associated equipment for the festival have been stored. The session focused on testing the equipment and assessing its operational readiness ahead of the festival.
The reconnaissance exercise for river rafting activities was supported by the Teesta Rangeet Rescue Centre (TRRC), led by its President and Team Leader, Ms Shanti Rai, whose team assisted in the assessment and safety-related aspects of the adventure activities. The assessment also covered river gradients, rapids, currents and water flow along the proposed rafting stretches to evaluate route suitability and safety requirements.
As part of the promotional preparations, vehicle stickers and pamphlets regarding the festival were distributed across inter-State entry points and border check-posts in Rangpo and Melli to generate wider public awareness about the event.
The entire preparatory exercise was led by Additional Director (Adventure), Tourism and Civil Aviation Department, cum Principal, Indian Himalayan Centre for Adventure and Eco-Tourism (IHCAE), Mr Kazi Sherpa.
The two-day recce brought together officials, adventure activity experts, pilots, rafting personnel, rescue teams and other stakeholders to assess the proposed activities and ensure coordinated planning for the Sikkim Adventure Tourism Festival 2026, scheduled for November 1–7 at Linkhim Tar, Namthang, in Namchi district.
Report from DIO-GANGTOK