Gangtok, March 25 A high-altitude expedition traversing 50 mountain passes across Sikkim to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the state's formation was launched on Wednesday.
The expedition, led by the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI) in Darjeeling, was launched by Tourism and Civil Aviation Minister Tshering Thendup Bhutia.
The month-long "Swarnim Shikar Yatra" will be conducted in three phases, covering both iconic routes and several remote, less-explored areas, officials said.
The expedition also aims to document these routes for future expeditions and training purposes, they said.
The initiative will promote eco-friendly practices, encourage youth participation, and highlight lesser-known trekking circuits in Sikkim, while also fostering a sense of national pride, they added.
Highlighting Sikkim's potential in adventure tourism, Bhutia stressed that development must go hand in hand with environmental sustainability.
He said the expedition was a historic initiative, which would help position the state as a premier destination for adventure tourism.
HMI Principal Col Rajneesh Joshi presented an overview of the expedition, outlining its scale, safety protocols, and expected outcomes.
He also spoke about the institute's legacy and its long-standing association with Sikkim.