The Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) has introduced a training programme for Kalimpong’s unemployed youths interested in working as guides for adventure sports.

The initiative, GTA sources said, has been taken for the first time to promote adventure sports in the hill district as well as create an alternative job opportunity in adventure tourism for residents.

Dawa Gyalpo Sherpa, the chief coordinator of the tourism department of the GTA, said that as a part of the initiative, they organised a three-day basic training course on rock climbing at Lava, around 33km from Kalimpong town.

“We organised the training so that youths of Kalimpong district can hone their skills. The training ended on Wednesday and they were handed over certificates. It will help them train others as instructors and act as guides to help tourists enjoy rock climbing,” said Sherpa, who is also a trained instructor at Darjeeling’s Himalayan Mountaineering Institute.

He said that every year, thousands of tourists visit Lava and other locations of Kalimpong and many want to enjoy rock climbing.

“We will introduce rock climbing in Lava during the upcoming summer season. In due course, we have plans to introduce other adventure sports like zip lining at the same place,” he added.

In the hills, the HMI provides training on adventure sports. Because of geographical distance and other reasons, many tourists couldn’t join the course. “That is why GTA authorities thought of the initiative. During the past three days, we trained 24 youths, including four girls. All participants are graduates, aged between 20 years and 35 years,” said Sherpa.

As of now, adventure sports like white water rafting in the Teesta and paragliding from Deolo are available in Kalimpong.

“Both are immensely popular. Now if more types of adventure sports are introduced in the hills, it will draw more tourists, particularly youngsters,” said Debasish Maitra, president, Eastern Himalaya Travel and Tour Operators’ Association.

The GTA, sources said, will organise a mountain biking expedition next month.

“Cycling through hilly terrains is yet another adventure sport that people want to enjoy,” said a representative of the GTA.