Gangtok, Feb 28: In a significant step towards strengthening adventure tourism, the Government of Sikkim on February 27 held the closing ceremony of the River Rafting Guide Course – Level III and IV (Advanced and Water-Based Search and Rescue), marking the graduation of the state’s first batch of formally certified rafting guides.
The programme, conducted from February 13 to 27, was organised under the “Sikkim INSPIRES” initiative by the Indian Himalayan Centre for Adventure & Eco-Tourism (IHCAE) under the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department, Government of Sikkim. Technical and venue partners included NOC – Nanhla Outdoor Centre and IMB. Around 20 participants successfully completed the advanced training and will now serve as the state’s first certified river rafting guides.
Rohini Pradhan, Special Secretary and Nodal Officer of Sikkim INSPIRES, said the initiative aligns with the state’s broader economic vision for women and youth. She noted that while Sikkim is already recognised for adventure tourism, structured training was essential to streamline the sector and create sustainable livelihood opportunities. She highlighted that the programme addresses the growing demand for rafting activities on the Teesta River and the Rangit River, two major tourism assets of the state.
Pradhan said Sikkim INSPIRES was launched under the guidance of Prem Singh Tamang to generate non-farm employment and ensure structured training with placement support. She added that such initiatives would help reduce migration by enabling youth to build careers within their local communities.
Kaji Sherpa, Joint Director (Adventure), Sikkim Tourism, said the department had spent two years surveying rafting potential across the state in collaboration with the World Bank and Sikkim INSPIRES before launching the course. He pointed out that despite active rafting operations on the Teesta, local participation had remained limited, making the training programme crucial.
Sherpa also said international experts were engaged to grade rafting routes across Sikkim to ensure safety and proper categorisation for different skill levels. A comprehensive grading map is expected within a month to strengthen marketing strategies. He noted that this is the first time formal certification is being issued, and that guides will now be registered under the Department of Tourism through IHCAE, allowing them to conduct rafting activities anywhere in Sikkim or India.
Chairman of the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department, Sonam Norgay Lachungpa, described the initiative as a landmark step that would help position Sikkim prominently on India’s adventure tourism map. He added that the government is also exploring other adventure activities such as paragliding, with feasibility studies and trial runs already undertaken.
Officials said the initiative is expected to enhance safety standards, professionalise rafting operations and further establish Sikkim as a leading adventure tourism destination in the country, while empowering women and youth through sustainable economic opportunities.
