Sikkim, May 9 : Thirty-three trekking enthusiasts from across the world take part in ten-day long Kanchenjunga international trekking expedition in Sikkim.

The sole objective of the programme is to provide an exclusive and rare opportunity to adventure lovers to explore the beauty of the Himalayas.

Organised by the state tourism department under the sponsorship of Ministry of Tourism, the trek will transverse through hills, valleys, streams, forest and ethnic villages at Barsey, Jorebutey, Kalijar and other areas.

The organizers believe that Sikkim has immense potential for adventure tourism and the inflow of tourists in the state will give it a further boost.

"We have flagged off 33 participants out of which 21 were from Holland, Australia, Netherlands, England, Germany, France and Hungary and four were from Sikkim and seven were from other parts of the country. This is the event which is totally eco-friendly and best attraction for the Sikkim as part of the adventure tourism," said S.B.S Badoria, secretary, Department of Tourism government of Sikkim.

One-day trek will span around 15-18 kms along with exciting camp activities every morning.

Trekkers feel themselves closer to the nature and take it as a wonderful opportunity to explore the beauty of the state.

"I like nature and I want to walk on the hills just to see the differences between the nature here in Sikkim and my home country because for in my country there is no bamboo outside if I walk in the forest. I like walking and seeing the birds and everything and I am looking forward to see all those different things that are not exist in my country," said Jorg Schmitt, a German trekker.

Sikkim, a landlocked nestling in the Himalayas is overlooked by Kangchenjunga, the third highest mountain in the world with an altitude of 8,586 metres (28,169 feet). Kangchenjunga is generally regarded as the highest mountain in India.