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.