14/09/2026
Liaison Officer Course on Mountaineering and Trekking Expeditions Concludes at IHCAE, Chemchey
The four-day Liaison Officer (LO) Course on Mountaineering and Trekking Expeditions, conducted by the Indian Himalayan Centre for Adventure & Eco-Tourism (IHCAE), Chemchey, in collaboration with the Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF), New Delhi, successfully concluded on 13th September 2026 at IHCAE, Chemchey.
A total of 36 participants, comprising 30 male and 6 female trainees, attended the training programme.
The training was designed to equip participants with the essential knowledge, skills and responsibilities required for effectively functioning as Liaison Officers during mountaineering and trekking expeditions. The role of a Liaison Officer is particularly important in ensuring effective coordination between expedition teams, government authorities, local administration, security agencies, rescue and emergency services, and other stakeholders.
Throughout the course, the trainees were exposed to various important aspects of expedition management, including expedition planning, permits and regulatory procedures, route planning, logistics, communication, leadership, team coordination, risk assessment, safety protocols, emergency response, search and rescue procedures, high-altitude considerations, environmental responsibility and expedition ethics. The training also emphasised the responsibilities of an LO in monitoring expedition activities and maintaining effective communication and coordination throughout an expedition.
The course provided the participants with an opportunity to gain both theoretical knowledge and practical understanding of expedition management, thereby enhancing their preparedness to discharge the responsibilities of a Liaison Officer in a professional and responsible manner.
The Closing Ceremony was graced by Shri Nim Pintso Bhutia, SDM, Namchi, as the Chief Guest. Brigadier K. Kumar (AVSM), Retd., served as the Chief Resource Person, with Shri Akhil Sharma as Co-Faculty from the Indian Mountaineering Foundation.
The programme was also attended by Shri Norden Bhutia, Administrator, IHCAE; Shri Manoj Kumar Chettri, Deputy Director (Adventure), Tourism & Civil Aviation Department, Government of Sikkim; Shri Nhakul Giri, Technical In-charge, IHCAE; Ms. Shanti Rai, Senior Instructor; along with the instructors and staff of IHCAE, Chemchey.
Speaking on the occasion, the dignitaries highlighted the importance of professional training and capacity building in strengthening the safety, preparedness and responsible management of mountaineering and trekking activities in the Himalayan region. The participants were encouraged to utilise the knowledge and experience gained during the course in their future assignments and to uphold the principles of safety, discipline, environmental conservation and responsible adventure tourism.
The four-day training programme was described by the participants as highly informative, interactive and enriching, providing valuable exposure to the practical responsibilities and challenges associated with expedition management and Liaison Officer duties.
The successful completion of the programme marks another important step towards strengthening the capacity of trained personnel for safe, systematic and professionally managed mountaineering and trekking expeditions in Sikkim.
