‘Run for Khecheopalri Lake’ on May 11

Tuesday, Apr 22, 2025 10:15 [IST]

Last Update: Monday, Apr 21, 2025 17:25 [IST]

‘Run for Khecheopalri Lake’ on May 11

PRITAM LAMA

GEYZING, : In a bid to promote sustainable tourism and raise awareness about ecological conservation and as part of the Sikkim 50th year of Statehood celebration, Khecheopalri under Gyalshing district is set to host a marathon, titled “Run for Khecheopalri Lake” on May 11.

The event is being organised by KhechuperiPokhariSangrakshanSamiti (KPSS) under the aegis of State Forest and Environment department, with support from Tourism and Ecclesiastical Affairs departments.

The event aims to highlight the significance of the Khecheopalri Wetland, which has been recently designated as Sikkim’s first Ramsar Site.

The event will feature two race categories: a 24-km run from Yuksam to Khecheopalri and a 7-km spiritual run around the sacred lake. Registration for participants began on Monday through both online and offline modes.

The final coordination meeting was held at Khecheopalrion Monday, chaired by panchayat president and KPSS president Sonam Yongda Bhutia and attended byrange officer Tenzing W. Bhutia, who is also the member secretary of KPSS.

In a promotional prelude to the event, Tourism minister and area MLA Tshering T. Bhutia flagged off a special run from Pellingto Khecheopalri.

Sikkim at a Glance

  • Area: 7096 Sq Kms
  • Capital: Gangtok
  • Altitude: 5,840 ft
  • Population: 6.10 Lakhs
  • Topography: Hilly terrain elevation from 600 to over 28,509 ft above sea level
  • Climate:
  • Summer: Min- 13°C - Max 21°C
  • Winter: Min- 0.48°C - Max 13°C
  • Rainfall: 325 cms per annum
  • Language Spoken: Nepali, Bhutia, Lepcha, Tibetan, English, Hindi