A high-altitude expedition traversing 50 mountain passes across Sikkim to commemorate 50 years of its statehood was flagged off on Wednesday.
The expedition, led by the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, was inaugurated by Tourism and Civil Aviation Minister Tshering Thendup Bhutia.
Titled Swarnim Shikar Yatra, the month-long expedition will be conducted in three phases, covering a mix of iconic mountain routes and remote, lesser-explored stretches, officials said. The initiative also aims to document these routes for future expeditions and training purposes.
Officials said the programme seeks to promote eco-friendly practices, encourage youth participation, and highlight lesser-known trekking circuits in the Himalayan state.
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Addressing the flag-off ceremony, Bhutia underscored Sikkim’s growing potential as an adventure tourism hub, while stressing the need to balance development with environmental sustainability. He described the expedition as a “historic initiative” that would help position the state as a premier destination for high-altitude trekking and mountaineering.
Rajneesh Joshi, principal of the institute, presented an overview of the expedition, detailing its scale, safety protocols and expected outcomes. He also highlighted the institute’s legacy and its long-standing association with Sikkim.
The expedition comes as part of commemorative events marking Sikkim’s 50 years as a state, with authorities aiming to leverage the milestone to boost tourism and showcase the region’s natural and adventure potential.
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