Trekking path survey plan

A trek route through the Singalila National Park in the Darjeeling hills

AVIJIT SINHA, TT,  Mar 28, 2018, Siliguri: The state tourism department plans to conduct a survey of existing trekking routes in north Bengal and explore new ones as part of a plan to encourage adventure tourism in the region.

"We will engage firms which have experience in the field of trekking to conduct a comprehensive survey and to collect data on the trekking routes of the eastern Himalayan region. They would also have the task to explore prospective routes which can be promoted in due course among travelling enthusiasts," said a source in the department.

The survey will be conducted in the districts of Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar, the source said.

The most popular trekking route in Darjeeling hills now is the walk to Sandakphu and Phalut from Manybhanjan. The route passes through Singalila National Park.

In the Dooars, the two common routes are a trek to Buxa Fort from Santalabari and another to Mahakal cave in Jayanti.

"Some other routes have come up in recent years, in the remote locations of Kalimpong and even in Kurseong sub-division. However, we do not have any clear information and data about these routes. That is why the survey would be conducted," an official said.

As a part of the survey, an assessment of accommodations like trekkers' huts and other allied infrastructure like availability of transport and guides would also be carried out.

"Those engaged in the survey will also be asked to find out where there is any scope for improvement of the routes, in terms of infrastructure and facilities," added the official.

State tourism minister Gautam Deb, while speaking at the opening of the Bengal Travel Mart that was held here last month, had emphasised the need to boost adventure tourism.

Tour operators welcomed the survey plan. "It is an appreciable initiative. We are confident an exhaustive data bank can help the department promote trekking routes among tourists in the country and overseas," said Sandipan Ghosh, secretary of the Eastern Himalaya Travel and Tour Operators' Association.