Ecotourism in the Mountains of Sikkim, India

by The Mountain Institute

Project Overview

The Himalayan state of Sikkim contains the world's third highest mountain peak (Khangchendzonga: 8,545 m), revered as the protective deity of Sikkim and renowned for its rhododendrons and other flowering species. Sikkim, which was only recently opened to tourism, is one of the two most biodiverse areas in India. Threats to Sikkim's biodiversity include agricultural land conversion, road construction, over collection of NTFPs, and fuel wood collection. A hydroelectric project is also underway.

To counter these threats and build on the opportunity to provide benefits to local communities, the project team is working with a local association of trekking businesses (TAAS) to strengthen community-based ecotourism opportunities at three sites around Khangchendzonga National Park. These sites include the Yuksom-Dzongri Trekking Trail and the settlements of Lethang and Cho-jo around Kecheopalri Lake. This project is particularly timely as the state government is eager to promote tourism through the development of policies that minimize the problems that neighboring states have experienced as a result of the rapid development of the tourism sector.

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