24/09/2025
Inauguration Of Old Silk Route Eco Tourism and Adventure Park Gnathang
Gnathang, September 24 (IPR): The Old Silk Route Eco Tourism and Adventure Park at Gnathang was inaugurated today by Minister for Cooperation and Rural Development Department Mr Arun Kumar Upreti, as the Chief Guest with MLA cm Advisor of Social Welfare and Women, Child, Senior Citizen, and Divyangjan Welfare Departments Ms Pamin Lepcha as the Guest of Honour.
Developed by the Gnathang Multipurpose Cooperative Society, the eco-tourism and adventure park includes an emporium, museum, replica of the old silk route, Jelep La tent, Zuluk models, and adventure activities such as rock climbing. Entry passes are priced at Rs 200/- and 300/-, the latter including traditional attire.
The Chief Guest hoisted the International Year of Cooperatives flag at the altitude of 12,800 feet, one of the highest in the district. The dignitaries offered prayers at Gnathang Ganden Choeling Monastery.
Addressing the gathering, the Minister said that Gnathang is like a jewel, which has been transformed by the local cooperative society. He assured government support for developing sustainable livelihoods in border areas, encouraged local promotion of the valley through social media, and underlined the importance of cleanliness drives for maintaining the beauty of the region.
In her address, Ms Pamin Lepcha commended the efforts of the cooperative society and highlighted the significance of community-led models in rural tourism and employment generation. She added that the project would serve as a milestone in showcasing the cultural and natural heritage of the Old Silk Route.
Secretary of Cooperation Department, Ms Gloria Namchu congratulated the cooperative for launching the first tourism-based MPCS in the state, noting Sikkim’s position as a tourism hub. She said the opening of Doka-La and Cho-La passes would further benefit the region.
Additional Registrar Cooperation Department Gangtok District, Mr Bijay Pratap Hang S***a briefed on the project which began in 2021 and outlined upcoming activities including hiking, high-altitude cycling, skiing, snowboarding, zip lining, boating, and overnight camping.
The museum features displays of yak herders’ daily equipment, British war memorials, the heroes of Nathula, Baba Harbhajan Singh, the Battle of Tukula, the Doklam standoff of 2017, and the Nathula and Chola wars of 1967, along with traditional cultural exhibits and a section on the Yeti.
Mementos were presented to the Chief Guest, Guest of Honour, and the dignitaries by the MPCS President. Special recognition was awarded to seven individuals for their contributions to the museum and eco-park.
Earlier, the President of Gnathang MPCS, Mr Lobsang Chumbi delivered the welcome address.
The programme had the presence of Principal Registrar Cooperation Department Ms Jabi Thapa, Sub-Divisional Magistrate Gangtok Mr Mahendra Chettri, Additional Registrar Head Office Cooperation Department Mr PT Lepcha, Officer on Special Duty Cooperation Department Mr Stephen Raj Karki, and OSD to MLA Gnathang-Machong Mr M B Gurung. Also present were officials and officers from the Cooperation Department, Zilla and Gram Panchayat members of Gnathang GPU, representatives of SISCO Bank, CLC members of JN Road, representatives of the JN Road Driver Owners' Association, police personnel of JN Road, and local residents.
Report from DIO-GANGTOK
