Five-Day Liaison Officer Course for Mountaineering and Trekking Expeditions Commences at IHCAE, Chemchey under Sikkim INSPIRES.
Namchi , 11 September : The Liaison Officer (LO) Course for Mountaineering and Trekking Expeditions commenced on 10 September at the Indian Himalayan Centre for Adventure & Eco-Tourism (IHCAE), Chemchey, in collaboration with the Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF), New Delhi.
The five-day training programme, being conducted from September 10th to 14th 2026,which is the first LO training course organised in the State is aimed at equipping participants with the essential knowledge, technical competencies and practical skills required for effectively discharging the duties and responsibilities of Liaison Officers during mountaineering and trekking expeditions.
A total of 35 trainees, comprising 30 male and 5 female participants, are taking part in the programme.
The training programme covers a wide range of subjects relevant to expedition management and field operations, including expedition planning and management, safety protocols, communication and coordination, emergency preparedness, environmental ethics, risk management and field responsibilities. The programme places particular emphasis on practical learning and developing the capacity of participants to respond effectively to challenges encountered during high-altitude and remote-area expeditions.
The training is being facilitated by eminent resource persons with extensive professional and field experience. Brigadier K. Kumar (AVSM), Retd., Chairman, IMF South India Zone, and Mr. Akhil Purohit, IT Professional and Co-Faculty, are sharing their valuable expertise and practical insights with the trainees. Their experience and guidance are contributing significantly to enhancing the learning experience and practical exposure of the participants.
The inauguration programme was attended by Shri.Kazi Sherpa Additional Director (Adventure)-cum-Principal, IHCAE; Administrator, IHCAE, and Deputy Director (Adventure), along with instructors and staff members of IHCAE, Chemchey.
The collaborative initiative between IHCAE and IMF reflects the institutions’ continued commitment towards strengthening professional capacity, promoting safe and responsible adventure tourism, and developing skilled personnel capable of effectively supporting mountaineering and trekking expeditions.
The programme is expected to provide participants with valuable theoretical and practical exposure, enabling them to perform their responsibilities as Liaison Officers with greater professionalism, preparedness and sensitivity towards safety and the Himalayan environment
