Press Release by Tshering Wangchuk Lepcha, Additional Political Secretary to Chief Minister of Sikkim
On 22nd Day of June 2022
On invitation from the Panchayat President and panchayat members under 16 Lingtam Padamchen GPU, team comprising of DC Pakyong Tashi Choppel along with Engineers from Culture Department, Team of majdoor indrani samaj, 130 RCC took a recce to see the possibilities of reintroducing famous lost heritage Old Silk Route which was used by the Britishers for trade with Tibet, which can boost tourism activities in the region along with local employment.
The hike started from Que khola- Nimachen- Padamchen till Eco Park. The region has 629 households with 101 Homestays. As there is no other items in the itinerary, tourists travelling use this place as one night halt destination only who travels to Zuluk and Gnathang valley. However if we introduce this “Heritage Old Silk Route” walk, quality tourist can have one more interesting item in the travel menu and instead of one night halt destination, there will be possibilities of extending their visit for couple of days in the region and help gain economic opportunities for people in the area. While taking this hike we will come across old Mani Lakhang, Tashi Chokerling Gumpa and Shivalaya Mandir and a Devithan.
Sonam Gyaltsen from Echostream gave suggestions to the stakeholders present on culture and Nature mapping. How local knowledge can be marketed to tourist who come to visit the place. Kaushal gurung (Bird Watcher) spoke on how the bird enthusiasts come from various regions and boost local economy and he really admired the flora and fauna.
DC Pakyong assured all necessary help to complete the project along with Engineering cell under Culture department on the revival of heritage old silk route walk with eco friendly natural materials to make the walk and hike more traditionally authentic in close with nature.
I informed the stakeholders on how HCM Shri Prem singh Golay has been very keen to promote and boost tourism after Pandemic. I also informed how upcoming Traditional Homestay Projects will help promote culture and ethnicity of our region to the world.
Thank you.
Tshering Wangchuk Lepcha
APS to HCM (East).