Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Gangtok: Sikkim is gearing up for its first-ever adventure tourism festival. The event runs from November 1 to 7. It covers all six districts of the state. Officials detailed the plans during a technical briefing on Tuesday. The Sikkim Adventure Tourism Fest 2026 aims to boost local livelihoods and promote outdoor sports. Linkhim Tar in Namchi district will serve as the primary hub for the festivities.
The program packs in over 20 unique activities. Thrill-seekers can choose from paragliding, river rafting, ziplining, hot-air ballooning, mountain biking, trekking, and birdwatching. Tenzing Gelay, Additional Director of the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department, noted the significance of the event. He said, "The festival was the first of its kind in the state and was intended to attract tourists while showcasing Sikkim's diverse outdoor experiences."
Paragliding stands out as a major draw. Deputy Director Manoj Chettri confirmed that all team members are trained and registered under Sikkim INSPIRES. Every participant gets insurance coverage. For cyclists, the second edition of the Tour de Sikkim returns. This six-day, five-night mountain biking trek spans 253 kilometers. It climbs to an altitude of 4,279 meters along the historic Silk Route. Deputy Director Brinda Mohan Subba stated that officials will provide bicycles for rent at nominal rates.
Trekking options include the Heart of Sikkim Trek and the Dzongri-Singalila Round Trek. Meanwhile, birdwatchers can explore routes in East Sikkim from Rongli to Pangolakha and West Sikkim from Pelling to the Khangchendzonga area. The Gangtok Adventure Relay is also on the schedule. Under Secretary Namgyal Lepcha set the fee at Rs 7,500 per person.
Booking is open. Tourists can secure spots through the official website or offline channels. Officials will set up a ticket counter at MG Marg in Gangtok. All activities follow strict safety protocols managed by certified operators. Participants should check the website for specific schedules and eligibility requirements.
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