GANGTOK, (IPR): Tour de Sikkim- A three-day mountain biking expedition along
the historic Silk Route was officially flagged off today by Tshering Thendup
Bhutia, minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation Department, as well as Commerce
and Industries department.
The flag-off
ceremony was attended by CS Rao, principal secretary, Tourism and Civil
Aviation (T&CA), Prakash Chettri, secretary T&CA, Neeraj Pradhan, PCE
T&CA and officials from department.
This expedition
is being organised through a collaborative effort involving the department of
Tourism and Civil Aviation, the Indian Himalayan Centre for Adventure and
Eco-Tourism (ICHAE), and the Cycling Association of Sikkim.
The team
comprises 40 participants from various parts of the country.
During his
address, the minister wished the riders a safe journey and expressed his
appreciation for their enthusiasm. He emphasised the health benefits of cycling
and encouraged everyone to take in the breathtaking scenery that Sikkim has to
offer.
The minister
also aimed to position Sikkim as a peaceful and organic State to boost tourism
development. He extended his gratitude to the ICHAE team and the tourism
department for their joint efforts in organising such a remarkable event.
The journey
along the Silk Route is scheduled to conclude at MG Marg in Gangtok on December
8.
