The 78 days of adventure activities was flagged off in Sikkim on Aug. 25
Dimapur, Aug. 27 (EMN): A series of adventurous activities are being conducted by the Indian Army’s Eastern Command.
An update from the Indian Army’s Eastern Command issued on Aug. 26 informed that the flagging off ceremony of Eastern Command Trans Theatre Adventure Activities 2022 was conducted at Manan Bhawan, Gangtok (Sikkim) on Aug. 25.
Governor of Sikkim, Ganga Parsad; Chief Minister Sikkim Prem Singh Tamang, and General Officer Commanding 33 Corps, Lieutenant General Tarun Kumar Aich, Ati Vishist Seva Medal, Sena Medal jointly flagged off a total of 19 adventure activities to be undertaken by joint teams including civil and military members covering the western to eastern extremities along the Northern borders.
The adventure started from Mt. Jongsong Peak in the western extremities to Jachep La in the Eastern most part, all along the Northern Borders in the Eastern Theater.
Planned for over 78 days, the adventure activities includes 19 teams and three mountaineering expedition, the highest being 7,642 meter, 7 treks of more than 750 Km, traversing the heights of 16,500 feet, 6 cycling expedition for over 1000 Km on non-existent roads along 6 valleys, rafting over 3 rivers. All of these would be in Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh.
The outcome of the adventure is said to showcase and help in increasing awareness about the beauty and potential of adventure tourism in Northeast India. These expeditions along the trails of Himalayas are being done under a Civil Military Cooperation. Most of these routes have never been explored by civilians, due to inaccessibility of these areas.
While the Indian Army is known for its participation in adventure activities, this time, in a unique civil-military cooperation effort, the events will consist of participants from both, civil and military. The civilian participants will be able to visit these places and face challenges which are the ultimate dream for all adventure enthusiasts. While showcasing the importance of civil-military synergy, these will also help highlight the landscape, flora, fauna, culture and traditions of these remote untouched border areas and boost tourism into these areas. As a boost to Nari Shakti, 15 female members will also be part of these activities.
‘In trekking, natural beauty is the reward, it connects people with nature, and allows people to get a better understanding of the surroundings. They will traverse the narrow valleys, high mountains, pristine lakes and will go through some mesmerising landscapes, which are otherwise unreachable. It will test the limits of physical endurance, mental resolve and team coordination of the members and connect the participants with nature and folk of remote areas,’ the update read.
The cycling expeditions in the mountains and forests will make for an unforgettable introduction to the natural scenic beauty along the borders where the cyclists can savour the freedom to explore and at the same time meet the people and learn about their culture.
The 6 cycling expeditions would involve crossing mountain passes, peddling over dirt tracks, heartbreaking uphill climbs, rough - shod crossing of mountain stream and crossing through jungles, but one will witness the most enthralling views.
While the 3 Rafting expeditions in torrential rivers will pump the adrenaline amongst the team members as they will test their skills along the fast current of rivers, bouncing over rapids on inflatable raft.
Overwhelming responses were received from a number of mountaineers for the Mt. Jongsong expedition. Four mountaineers, including two women have been shortlisted based on their past experience. Each one of them is a famed and experienced mountaineer.