The Indian Himalayan Centre for Adventure and Eco Tourism (ICHAE) in Sikkim is putting every effort into getting recognised by the Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF), the apex agency for mountaineering and allied adventure sports activities in the country.

Sources in the Sikkim government said they had earlier applied before the IMF for the tag so that its courses are recognised across the country.

Located at a hilltop in Chemchey, around 70km from capital Gangtok, the centre was set up in 2009. It is located at an altitude of 6,582 ft over 21.2 acres.

As of now, courses on adventure tourism, mountain biking, paragliding, skiing and sports climbing are organised at the centre.

“Six institutes, including the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute in Darjeeling, are registered with the IMF. If the ICHAE is included in the list, it would help create more skilled sports professionals in this region. Mountain sports are gaining popularity in this region,” said Animesh Bose, a senior adventure sports enthusiast based in Siliguri.

On Sunday, a four-member team from IMF, led by Bdr K. Kumar, an executive member of the foundation, reached Sikkim for verification and inspection of the institute for the process of its recognition at the national level.

“They will also assess the training standard, infrastructure and glacier field training conducted by the institute,” said a source.

After their arrival, a meeting was held in Gangtok on Sunday. B.S. Panth, the minister of tourism and civil aviation department of the state, was present with officials.

“The team has shown keen interest in the institute and given a positive response," a source said after the meeting was over.