Sikkim’s adventure tourism push gained a major new route on Sunday with the inauguration of the 80km Kursong Kurmit Trail in Dzongu, a high-altitude circuit that the state government says will promote sustainable, community-based tourism and bring greater attention to the region’s natural and cultural heritage.
The trail was inaugurated by Forest and Environment Minister Pintso Namgyal Lepcha in Dzongu subdivision of Mangan district as part of the first Sikkim Adventure Tourism Fest 2026. The week-long festival, organised by the state Tourism and Civil Aviation Department, will continue until November 7.
Located around 80km from Gangtok, the Kursong Kurmit route traverses terrain ranging from 3,000 feet to 14,700 feet. Its elevation and extended route place it among the state’s significant adventure tourism offerings, while the official emphasis on community participation connects the project to local employment and small-business opportunities.
Lepcha said the trail had emerged from a long process of conceptualisation, planning, preparatory work and reconnaissance. He described its official notification and approval as a significant addition to Sikkim’s adventure tourism landscape.
“The long-pending initiative has finally materialised. The new adventure trail has been officially notified and approved, making it a significant addition to Sikkim’s adventure tourism landscape,” Lepcha said. He added that the route would help promote adventure tourism and encourage visitors to explore Dzongu’s distinctive natural and cultural heritage.
The project also highlights the administrative work involved in opening sensitive mountain destinations to visitors. The route’s development required planning and reconnaissance before it could be formally notified and approved. The supplied report does not provide details of the trail’s budget, operating guidelines, carrying capacity or visitor-management arrangements.
Tshering Dorjee Lachungpa, proprietor of Khangri Tours and Travels, said the trail could strengthen ecotourism and create livelihood opportunities for residents. He identified guides, homestays, transport operators, small businesses and other tourism-related services as potential beneficiaries.
“The trail has the potential to strengthen ecotourism, generate local livelihoods and enhance the visibility of community-based tourism in Dzongu,” Lachungpa said. He added that the route could encourage visitors to appreciate the ecological and cultural significance of the region.
The festival’s principal venue is Linkhim Tar in Namchi district, around 60km from Gangtok. However, programmes and flag-off events are being held across different districts to showcase Sikkim’s varied adventure tourism opportunities. The Kursong Kurmit Trail represents Mangan district’s participation under the festival theme “Heart of Sikkim”.
The opening day also featured the Gnathang Valley Vibrant Village Marathon in Pakyong district under the theme “Run Through Nature, Run Through the Himalayas”. The event included 21km, 10km and 5km races, all starting and finishing at the Gnathang village playground, with participants attending from across the country.
The festival will continue through November 7, with events planned across Sikkim’s districts.
