Sikkim advances adventure tourism with successful trials at India's highest bungee jump

Sikkim's bid to soar in adventure tourism took a leap today, March 22 with the launch of India’s highest bungee jump, measuring 120 meters, as two jump trials were successfully conducted.
 

Spearheaded by the tourism department of the state government, the initiative aims to position Sikkim as a premier adventure tourism destination.
 

Kaji Sherpa, Joint Director (Adventure) of the Tourism Department, speaking at the event, highlighted the potential of adventure tourism in Sikkim. “We have been working to promote adventure sports in this region for a long time. After thorough research, we identified bungee jumping as a viable attraction. Today, we successfully conducted two jump trials, and I am proud to say that this is now India’s highest bungee jump,” he stated.
 

The launch event was also attended by adventure tourism experts from Nepal.
 

The previous highest bungee jump in India, located in Uttarkashi, stood at 117 meters. The Sikkim bungee jump surpasses that, making it the new record holder. What sets this facility apart is that it is the first bungee jump in India constructed on a bridge, rather than using a crane, ensuring a more natural and immersive experience for thrill-seekers.
 

Expanding adventure tourism in Sikkim
 

Beyond bungee jumping, the Sikkim Tourism Department has introduced multiple adventure activities, including the longest zip-line in Sikkim, sky-cycling, bungee-swinging, glass-walking, and cycling. These efforts align with the government’s goal of making Sikkim a top adventure tourism destination in India.
 

An adventure tourism expert from Nepal, who played a key role in the project, acknowledged the contribution of the Sikkim Tourism Department. “I want to thank the Tourism Department and the local administration for their support. Without their backing, this project would not have been possible. Adventure tourism requires seamless collaboration, and in Sikkim, everything came together smoothly,” he said.
 

The expert further spoke about  the global demand for such projects but noted that bureaucratic challenges often slow down the process. “We have received proposals from other countries, but getting approvals is always a hurdle. However, in Sikkim, the government’s proactive approach ensured that everything progressed efficiently. The credit goes to the hard work and vision of the Sikkim Tourism Department,” he added.
 

Safety remains a top priority for the bungee jumping facility. “We adhere to the highest international safety standards,” said the expert. “The ropes are specially imported, and we strictly follow guidelines on their usage. Each piece of equipment has a fixed lifespan and is replaced when necessary. Even if a rope has never been used, if it reaches its expiration date, we discard it. There is no compromise on safety.”
 

He also credited Mark Martina, a renowned bungee expert, for training the team in Sikkim. “Mark Martina has trained many professionals in Rishikesh and other parts of India. His philosophy is simple: ‘I don’t believe in adventure sports like bungee jumping because it is so safe.’ That speaks volumes about the safety measures we follow.”
 

The expert further explained the physics of bungee jumping, stating, “When a person jumps, the elastic rope stretches and absorbs the impact, gradually slowing them down. This process repeats several times before they come to a complete stop. The entire mechanism is designed to ensure a safe yet thrilling experience.”
 

Apart from adventure tourism, Sikkim is also focusing on rural tourism through the Sikkim Rural Tourism Meet (SRTM) 2025. Scheduled to take place in Uttarey, West Sikkim, this event aims to showcase the rich cultural heritage, traditions, and rural lifestyle of Sikkim’s communities.
 

Speaking about SRTM 2025, Kaji Sherpa said, “This event will allow visitors to experience rural Sikkim in a way they never have before. Tourists will get to interact with local communities, witness traditional art forms, and participate in cultural activities. The objective is to boost rural economies while preserving our heritage.”
 

The government is actively rolling out initiatives to support rural tourism, including promoting homestays to provide visitors with an authentic local experience, collaborating with industry stakeholders to improve tourism infrastructure, providing marketing and promotional support to rural tourism businesses, and organizing training workshops on tourism planning, hospitality management, and community engagement.
 

The Sikkim Rural Tourism Meet 2025 will focus on key themes such as knowledge sharing, capacity building, networking, and policy advocacy. The agenda includes certification programs for local tourism service providers, educational collaborations to train youth in hospitality and tourism management, inclusion in travel itineraries to attract more domestic and international tourists and development of rural tourism clusters to create economic opportunities for local communities.