Trekkers explore re-opened Singalila route

SORENG (West Sikkim), May 4: Just after eight months of the reopening of world famous Singalila trekking route last year, the state tourism department had initiated to explore this route in international level again.  For the first time state government has organised a month long trekking called ‘Khang-Chend-Zonga International Trekking Programme’ to foster adventure tourism in Sikkim which started yesterday.  In this first trip of trekking 12 countries including Austria, Canada, Germany, France, Hungary, Finland, Israel, England, Australia, Netherlands, India, Poland with 33 in total participants took part in this trek. “The main reason behind organising such trek is to promote adventure tourism in the state and also to explore this new trekking route in international level,” said Mr BR Subba additional secretary of state tourism department .

“We have only charged $ 6 per day-thus the total comes Rs 2000 per person, which is ninety per cent discount from the actual cost of Rs 15,000,” he added. The first team will cover over 100 km, which will touch Barsey, Jorebutey, Kalijhar, Chewabhanjyang, Uttarey, Hee-Bermiok and Soreng within 10 days that really excited trekkers coming from outside.  “I am nature freak guy so I love trekking and like flowers, birds and many others related with nature so I am in a year leave to enjoy Himalayan nature” said Mr Jorg Schmitt a trekker cum computer engineer from Germany.

“Sikkim is the best place to get all these with the calm nature and I am really excited to see Mt Everest and Mt Kanchenjunga during this trekking” he added.  Mr Soma with his father Gsott Veszelovszki are from Hungary . “I have done a of lot of trekking in my country but this is my first trip to Sikkim ” the young boy said.  Not only exploring trekking route but these initiatives also had employed some unemployed youths.
Thanks to the state government for organising such trek, which had used seven potters, and two guides from local areas. “A year ago one of my friend told me to visit Sikkim once and I find good opportunity and this is really good initiative that states government has taken steps to explore Sikkim into international level” said Mr Jacob Aizner from Israel. “This will also bind a relation of friendship with many countries as I had trekked Nepal, China, India, Myanmar and made many friends,” he added.

Secretary from the tourist department Mr SBS Bsadauria had flagged off the international trekkers as other official distributed green full-sleeves and cap to all the participants as part of the promotion campaign at the venue. [The Statesman]