Kangchendzonga Mountain Biking expedition to start from March 3

Gangtok, Feb 15 (UNI) Sikkim Tourism is organising the first Kangchendzonga Mountain Biking expedition from March 3 to 13.

The expedition is supported by the Union Ministry of Tourism under 'Incredible India' campaign and involves participation of private stakeholders and sponsors as well.

Also dubbed as an expedition to conquer the Himalayas, the ten-day thrilling experience will cover all the four districts of the state.

The prize money has been kept at 25,000 US dollars. The awards category includes overall winner open for men and women, overall Indian (Men and women), master 50 plus, best uphill and best downhill.

The routes to be covered include Gangtok-Ranka-Rumtek-Sang in east Sikkim, Sang-Martam (East)-to Rabong(South Sikkim), Rabong-Kewzing-Tashiding (South&West Sikkim), Yuksom-Darap-Pelling-Dentam-Hee Bermiok-Kaluk Soreng (West Sikkim) Sombaria-Daramdin (West)-Jorethang (South), Namchi-Namthang-Rangpo in South and East and also places like Mangan-Dikchu, Chungthang-Lachen Lachung in North Sikkim. They will cover 60 KM a day.

''The idea is to popularize Sikkim as a destination for adventure tourism since there is big scope for it and there are visitors willing to spend money for thrill and adventure. It also does not require specialization or training like other forms of adventure sports like hang gliding or paragliding. We want to take a lead in India as far as adventure tourism is concerned,'' said G P Upadhyaya, Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Sikkim tourism, on the motive of the expedition.

He also said that around 100 participants, including national and international adventure lovers, were expected to take part.

''This is a big event and being held for the first time in Sikkim at this scale. We will make it a regular and annual affair,'' he said.

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