Latest news with #TourismandCivilAviationDepartment
The Hindu
12 hours ago
- The Hindu
First batch of 33 pilgrims leaves for Kailash Manasarovar Yatra via Sikkim's Nathula
'The first batch of 33 pilgrims and two liaison officers left for Kailash Manasarovar Yatra via Nathula in Sikkim on Friday (June 20, 2025),' officials said. 'Governor Om Prakash Mathur flagged off the yatra at a function held at the Sino-Indian frontier in East Sikkim,' they said. The function was organised by the Ministry of External Affairs. Tourism and Civil Aviation Department Additional Chief Secretary C.S. Rao welcomed the pilgrims on behalf of the State Government and the people of Sikkim. He said that the first batch comprised 33 pilgrims and two liaison officers, one each from the Ministry of External Affairs and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police. Mr. Rao said the State Government, in coordination with the departments concerned and paramilitary forces, had made all necessary arrangements to ensure the safety, comfort and smooth passage of the pilgrims during their journey. The Governor, in his address, appreciated the reopening of the yatra after six years and said that the resumption of pilgrimage was made possible owing to consistent efforts by the Centre. Mathur said Kailash Manasarovar holds deep religious and cultural importance for pilgrims across the country. The Sikkim Governor said that more batches of pilgrims would undertake the journey in the coming days. Mathur lauded the State Government for the flag-off event at Nathula and appreciated the people of Sikkim for upholding the value of "Atithi Devo Bhava" with commitment and respect towards the pilgrims. The Governor advised the pilgrims to take care of their health and expressed hope for a smooth and safe pilgrimage. This year, 750 Indian pilgrims have been selected for the yatra, with 500 travelling in 10 groups via the Nathu La route and 250 through the Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand.
The Print
07-05-2025
- The Print
Sikkim: Aimed at promoting battlefield tourism, motorcycle expedition to Doka La flagged off
The two-day expedition was organised by the state's Tourism and Civil Aviation Department, Home Department, and the 17th Mountain Division as part of the golden jubilee celebrations of Sikkim's statehood. A total of 161 riders are taking part in the expedition, flagged off by Sikkim's Tourism Minister Tshering Thendup Bhutia, from Zero Point in Gangtok in the presence of Brigadier of 17th Mountain Division Kunal Mukherjee. Gangtok, May 7 (PTI) A motorcycle expedition to Doka La, aimed at promoting battlefield tourism, was flagged off from Gangtok on Wednesday morning. Designed to highlight Sikkim's distinctive geographical and strategic attributes, nine prominent riding clubs of the region are taking part in the expedition, an official said. Bhutia said battlefield tourism is an emerging sector that integrates the historical significance of an area with adventure and scenic exploration. He said that Sikkim's border regions, endowed with spectacular landscapes, hold immense promise for developing new tourist destinations. Recognised for its strategic importance and breathtaking views, Doka La is set to become a notable attraction for visitors seeking unique travel experiences that combine history and natural beauty, he added. He said tourism is the mainstay of Sikkim's economy, and the state government is working towards attracting more tourists through infrastructure development and diversified offerings. The riders will reach Doka La via Gnathang and Kupup, an unforgettable journey through Sikkim's frontier heritage, he added. Doka La is the Indian name for the region, which Bhutan recognises as Dokalam. Indian and Chinese troops engaged in a standoff in the area in 2017. PTI CORR SOM This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
