Gangtok, Mar 27: The Tourism and Civil Aviation Department of Sikkim has launched a new trekking initiative aimed at providing students with hands-on experience in tourism, named the “Sikkim Student’s Trek.” The program, themed “Sikkim Where Nature Smiles,” was unveiled as part of the state’s 50th Statehood Anniversary celebrations.

The launch event was led by Tshering Thendup Bhutia, Tourism and Civil Aviation Minister, and attended by Kazi Sherpa, Joint Director of Adventure, Tourism and Civil Aviation Department, and other senior officials.

The trekking program will be conducted in two phases for college students and one for senior secondary students. College students will participate in a 5-day trek to Dzongri-Goechala, while senior secondary students will embark on a 3-day trek to Barsey. A total of 100 college students and 60 senior secondary students enrolled in tourism courses will benefit from the program.

The first batch of college students will begin their trek on March 29, 2025, with another group departing on March 30, 2025. Senior secondary students will leave for Barsey on April 7, 2025.

Minister Bhutia encouraged the students to make the most of this opportunity for practical learning and exposure. He also confirmed that all expenses for the trek will be covered by the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department.

“This initiative is fully organized by the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department to provide valuable exposure to students,” Bhutia said, adding that more such programs will be introduced in the future to enhance students’ understanding of the tourism industry.