Sri Vijaya Puram: A private trekking organisation, Indiahikes, has entered into a one-year memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Andaman and Nicobar administration to identify and develop two multi-day trekking trails across the islands, officials said on Thursday.
Scope and partners
The agreement was signed with the Directorate of Information, Publicity and Tourism and the Department of Environment and Forests, and aims to expand nature-based adventure tourism by exploring lesser-known parts of the island chain. Under the partnership, Indiahikes will survey prospective routes, run pilot trekking experiences and compile photographic and video records of the trails.
In addition to on-ground route work, the collaboration includes preparation of a guidebook covering the two trails, the officials added. The materials produced will serve as documentation for potential visitors and local stakeholders.
What Indiahikes will do
- Explore and document proposed trekking routes across the islands.
- Conduct pilot treks to assess feasibility and safety.
- Produce photographic and video documentation for promotion and planning.
- Prepare a guidebook that outlines the two trails.
Indiahikes, which began its operations with Himalayan treks, has broadened its portfolio over the years to include multi-day experiences in forests and other landscapes such as Central India and the Sahyadris in the Western Ghats. The organisation said it looks forward to carrying out the work with sensitivity to local communities and environmental considerations.
"It has been a dream for us to promote trekking in the Andamans... The administration's invitation this year to explore trekking possibilities in the islands felt like a dream coming true," Indiahikes founder and CEO Arjun Majumdar said.
Indiahikes Chief Operating Officer Sandhya UC described the collaboration as an opportunity to discover new terrain while emphasising safe and sustainable practice alongside the administration and community stakeholders.
Local impact and considerations
Officials said the focus on lesser-known zones aims to broaden the islands' adventure tourism offering beyond established beach and water-sport attractions. The survey and pilot phases are intended to assess not only route quality and visitor experience but also environmental sensitivity and community implications.
Development of trekking trails in ecologically sensitive islands requires coordination with forest authorities, local leaders and tourism bodies to ensure minimal disturbance to habitats and compliance with any regulatory restrictions. The MoU names the Department of Environment and Forests as a signatory, indicating that ecological oversight will be part of the process.
Deliverables and timeline
The partnership is for one year. During this period, Indiahikes will undertake reconnaissance of routes, pilot treks and documentation work culminating in a guidebook and multimedia assets that can be used by administrators and promotion arms.
| Partner | Role |
|---|---|
| Indiahikes | Route exploration, pilot treks, documentation, guidebook preparation |
| Directorate of Information, Publicity and Tourism | Coordinating tourism development and promotion |
| Department of Environment and Forests | Environmental oversight and clearance |
Why it matters
For the islands, which rely heavily on tourism, developing structured trekking routes could diversify visitor experiences and extend stays beyond beach activities. Well-planned trails can create livelihood opportunities for local guides and service providers while promoting low-impact tourism. However, careful planning is needed to balance visitor access with conservation priorities on islands that host fragile ecosystems.
Officials and Indiahikes said that safety, sustainability and involvement of local communities will be central to the project. The pilot-trail phase will allow authorities to evaluate trail suitability and any restrictions required to protect environments and cultural sites.
Further updates on the identified routes, proposed itineraries and timelines for opening the trails to visitors are expected as the survey and pilot phases progress.
