With the onset of continuous monsoon rainfall in the Himalayan region, the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) has suspended all adventure tourism activities in the hills indefinitely, citing tourist safety as the top priority. The decision was officially announced through a set of guidelines issued by the GTA’s tourism department and came into effect on Tuesday.
The advisory mandates the immediate suspension of all high-risk adventure sports including paragliding, river rafting, trekking, hiking, canyon walks, off-road cycling, ATV rides, and mountain biking. The move is viewed as a precautionary step in response to the dangers posed by heavy rainfall in the mountainous terrain.
"Adventure sports in the hills during the monsoon can be extremely dangerous," said Dawa Galpo Sherpa, Secretary of the GTA’s Adventure Tourism Department, adding, “The water levels in the rivers have risen, the terrain is slippery and unpredictable weather poses life-threatening risks. Activities like river rafting and paragliding are especially vulnerable. As a result, we have decided to suspend all such sports until the season ends."
Also read: Sikkim opposes Nepal's expeditions to holy Khangchendzonga
Sherpa stressed that the suspension is indefinite and that activities will resume only after a post-monsoon review of weather conditions.
The decision follows a recent zipline accident in Manali, Himachal Pradesh, where a 12-year-old girl from Nagpur fell nearly 30 feet after a cable reportedly snapped. The girl sustained a severe leg injury and is currently hospitalised. While the incident occurred outside the GTA’s jurisdiction, it has served as a stark reminder of the potential hazards associated with adventure activities during inclement weather.
Samrat Sanyal, General Secretary of the Himalayan Hospitality & Travel Tour Development Network, expressed strong support for the GTA’s decision.
“There is absolutely no room for disagreement here. The safety of our tourists is paramount. Adventure sports during the monsoon can be highly unpredictable and risky. This was a responsible step,” he said.
Though the tourism industry is expected to face a temporary setback, the suspension has been broadly welcomed as a necessary and responsible measure.
The GTA confirmed that the suspension will remain in place until further notice and has advised all operators and travellers to comply strictly with the directive.
Follow us
