The Sikkim government will hold the inaugural Sikkim Adventure Tourism Fest 2026 from 1 to 7 November at Linkhim Tar in Namchi district, officials said, aiming to showcase the state's outdoor offerings and boost local livelihoods. The site is roughly 6,500 feet above sea level and about 45 kilometres from Gangtok.
Scope and objectives
Organisers say the week-long event will present more than 20 activities across air, land and water, spanning all six districts. The initiative seeks to position Sikkim as a prominent adventure-tourism destination while encouraging sustainable practices, wider community involvement and job creation in the tourism sector.
“The festival is the first of its kind in Sikkim. It will help boost the state’s economy and attract more visitors by showcasing its diverse outdoor experiences,”
said Tenzing Geley, additional director (adventure) in the tourism and civil aviation department.
Major attractions and prepared measures
Department officials identified a mix of high-adrenaline and nature-based offerings as major draws. The festival will include:
- Zip-lining
- River rafting
- Paragliding (highlighted as a key attraction)
- Hot-air ballooning
- Obstacle challenges
- Trekking expeditions and nature-based activities across districts
- Cycling and mountain-biking events, including the Tour de Sikkim
- Birdwatching experiences in east and west Sikkim
Manoj Chettri, deputy director (adventure), said participating team members had been trained and registered under the state’s Sikkim INSPIRES programme and that participants would receive insurance coverage. Bicycle rentals will be made available at nominal rates to promote participation, an official added.
Notable routes and events
The festival will promote established trekking corridors and newer routes. Officials mentioned the Heart of Sikkim Trek and the Dzongri–Singalila Round Trek among the walking itineraries to be showcased. The cycling component, Tour de Sikkim, is planned as a mountain-biking expedition of approximately 253 km along the historic Silk Route, reaching altitudes of around 14,000 feet.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Venue | Linkhim Tar, Namchi district (≈ 6,500 ft) |
| Dates | 1–7 November 2026 |
| Activities | More than 20 across air, land and water |
| Key cycling event | Tour de Sikkim — ~253 km, up to ~14,000 ft |
| Entry/participation fee | ₹7,500 per person for the Gangtok Adventure Relay (registration via the festival website) |
Safety, training and local benefits
Officials emphasised training and safety arrangements. Teams participating in aerial sports have undergone training and registration under the state programme named Sikkim INSPIRES, with insurance provided for attendees. The department also expects the festival to create direct and indirect employment opportunities by involving local guides, equipment providers and homestays.
Organisers said the event would highlight sustainable tourism practices, seek to draw domestic and international visitors, and increase visibility for lesser-known adventure spots across Sikkim’s six districts.
Registration and further details
Event registration and detailed schedules will be available on the official festival website, the tourism department said. Officials urged participants to check equipment requirements and safety advisories before registering and to follow guidelines issued by organisers during activities.
By staging a concentrated showcase of adventure offerings across disciplines, the state aims to broaden its tourism portfolio beyond conventional sightseeing and capitalise on growing interest in outdoor experiences.
