TOURISM DEPARTMENT CONDUCTS EXPOSURES TREK FOR STUDENTS

Gyalshing, April 3 (IPR): Tourism & Civil Aviation Department, Government of Sikkim, successfully conducted an exposure trekking programme for students pursuing tourism studies. The initiative, titled Sikkim Students’ Trek with the theme “Sikkim: Where Nature Smiles”, aimed to provide practical training in adventure tourism, hospitality, and environmental conservation. The initiative was organized as part of Sikkim’s 50th Statehood Celebration.
Students from various government colleges across the state participated in the programme, which was conducted in two phases. A total of 100 students received hands-on training, with 50 students in each phase. The trekking expedition took place at the renowned Dzongri Trek within the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Khangchendzonga National Park (KNP).
The programme was organised with an aim to give exposure to students on tourism sector, especially in adventure tourism.
The five-day programme was organized by the Adventure Cell of the Tourism & Civil Aviation Department in collaboration with the Indian Himalayan Centre for Adventure and Eco-tourism (IHCAE) Chemchey. Logistical support was provided by Yuksam-based Yuksam Tourism Development Committee (YTDC), a government-registered tourism organization, while medical assistance was offered by the Yuksam PHC medical team.
Throughout the trek, students were trained in adventure tourism, trekking and tour operations, hospitality management, environmental conservation, and the study of local flora and fauna. Resource persons from the Adventure Cell and YTDC conducted the training sessions.
The trek, which commenced on March 29, concluded successfully on April 2. On Wednesday, a brief valedictory ceremony was organized at Yuksam, where students were awarded certificates of participation.Mr Karzang Bhutia YTDC President who is also the Panchayat Vice President of Yuksam-Dubdi GPU attended as the Chief guest and presented the certificates to the students. Other attendees included Mr Manoj Kr Chettri Deputy Director of the Adventure Cell DoT&CAv, Mr DB Chettri YTDC Vice President, Tourism Department staff Ms Roji Pradhan and Mr BS Subba, Mr Pritam Lama YTDC Publicity Secretary and Resource Person and Mr Laxman Gurung Resource person among others.
Addressing the students, Mr Karzang Bhutia YTDC President praised their enthusiasm and highlighted the vast potential of the tourism sector in Sikkim. He encouraged students to explore entrepreneurship opportunities in the field.
Speaking about the initiative, Mr Manoj Kr Chettri Deputy Director Adventure Cell DoT&CAv emphasized that the initiative aimed to ignite a spirit of adventure among students and promote adventure tourism. He added that the programme was designed specifically for tourism students in government colleges to enhance their knowledge and experience for future career prospects.
Report from DIO Gyalshing