First IHCAE Partnership Conclave 2025 concludes in Sikkim

Stakeholders from across India, Nepal, and Bhutan unite in Sikkim to shape the future of sustainable adventure and ecotourism through dialogue, partnerships, and new initiatives

The Indian Himalayan Centre for Adventure and Ecotourism (IHCAE), Chemchey, under the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department, Government of Sikkim, in collaboration with Sikkim INSPIRES, successfully hosted the first IHCAE Partnership Conclave 2025 from October 9–10.

Held under the theme “Strengthening Collaborations in Adventure and Ecotourism,” the two-day conclave brought together delegates and stakeholders from across India, Nepal, and Bhutan — representing government bodies, academic institutions, and the adventure tourism industry — to chart a roadmap for developing Sikkim as a hub for sustainable adventure and ecotourism.

The inaugural session at IHCAE Chemchey was graced by Zilla Adhakshya Namchi, Anjeeta Rajalim, as the Chief Guest. In her address, she commended the Department of Tourism and IHCAE for promoting experiential learning and skill-based education, and highlighted the need for capacity building and inter-institutional collaboration to position Sikkim as a leading destination for sustainable adventure tourism.

PCE-cum-Secretary, Tourism & Civil Aviation Department, Neeraj Pradhan, delivered the keynote address on the “Possibilities of Adventure and Ecotourism Activities of IHCAE,” emphasising collaboration between IHCAE and academic institutions to develop specialised training programs.

The first day featured expert sessions by Col. Vijay Singh, President of the Indian Mountaineering Foundation, on the future of mountaineering in Sikkim; Dr. Peter Lobo, Chairman of IATO North Bengal & Sikkim, on birdwatching tourism for livelihood generation; and Dr. Kishore Rithe, Director of the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), who highlighted biodiversity conservation as a foundation for sustainable tourism.

Principal IHCAE and Joint Director, Kazi Sherpa, presented IHCAE’s achievements and vision to become a model institution for skill-based learning and adventure leadership. The day also witnessed the unveiling of the Adventure Map of Sikkim and the signing of an MoU between BNHS and Mount Zion Group of Schools, aimed at strengthening educational collaboration.

Delegates later participated in group workshops focused on curriculum design, institutional partnerships, and innovative outreach strategies. The evening concluded with a vibrant cultural segment showcasing Sikkim’s traditional cuisine, local beverages, and folk performances, offering guests an immersive experience of the State’s cultural richness.

The second day of the conclave, held in Gangtok, began with a mountain biking expedition from Chemchey to Temi and an exposure tour of Ravangla and Temi Tea Estate, demonstrating community-based sustainable tourism practices.

The closing session was graced by Chief Guest Advisor-cum-MLA, Forest & Environment Department, Tenzing Norbu Lamtha, and Guest of Honour, Advisor (STDC), Lukendra Rasaily, alongside Secretary, Tourism & Civil Aviation Department, Hondala Gyaltsen, Principal Director (Accounts) Binod Sharma, Additional Secretary Dr. Prerna Chamling, and senior departmental officials.

In his address, Mr. Lamtha emphasised that while Sikkim’s mountain landscapes offer vast potential for adventure tourism, development must remain sensitive to ecological integrity and local cultural values. Mr. Rasaily highlighted the importance of expanding opportunities for Sikkimese youth and fostering greater national and international exposure for trained guides.

The conclave culminated in the signing of eight new Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) between the Tourism Department and key organisations from India, Nepal, and Bhutan, including the Wild Survival Academy (Hyderabad), Adventure Gurudongmar (Kalimpong), Adventure Thrill (Dehradun), Bhutan Ecological Society, Nepal National Mountain Guide Association, Himalayan Outdoor Recreational School (Kathmandu), Mt. Zion Kidzee School (Gangtok), and BNHS (Mumbai).

The IHCAE Partnership Conclave 2025 concluded on an optimistic note, reaffirming the collective commitment to sustainable growth, academic collaboration, and responsible adventure tourism — strengthening Sikkim’s position as a progressive and environmentally conscious destination in the Indian Himalayas.