
GANGTOK: Tourists and locals visiting the Jorethang Maghey Mela 2025 will soon have the chance to experience Sikkim's breathtaking landscapes from above, with authorities announcing plans to introduce helicopter joy rides during the traditional fair.
This innovative initiative, spearheaded by Zoom-Salghari MLA Madan Cintury, represents a remarkable shift from previous years. After thorough site evaluations, two key locations—the IRB Ground and JNV Playground—have been designated as helicopter bases.
Test flights are planned in the coming weeks to assess landing conditions and safety measures at both sites. The final choice will be based on technical viability and compliance with aviation safety standards.
The Maghey Mela, a centuries-old fair honoring Sikkim's rich cultural heritage, attracts thousands of visitors from across Northeast India each year. This year, the addition of aerial tours is set to provide a unique vantage point of the festivities and the region's stunning mountainous landscapes.
Meanwhile, earlier this month, in response to the growing influx of tourists seeking winter experiences in the region, Gangtok police introduced strict winter safety protocols at the Sherathang Check Post. All vehicles were required to be equipped with snow removal tools and chains to ensure safe travel through the area.
The new regulations mandated that vehicles carry shovels for emergency snow clearance and install tyre chains for better traction on icy mountain roads. These measures aimed to enhance safety as tourists flocked to enjoy snow-viewing opportunities in the area.