The army expedition team starts for Kalimpong on bicycles from the Binnaguri cantonment on Thursday. Picture by Biplab Basak

Siliguri, April 24: An Indian army team today started for a “cycle-motorcycle” trekking expedition to Sikkim’s Nathu-la and Gurudongmar Lake to spread the message of national integrity, promote the culture of the Himalayan state and strengthen ties with residents of the border areas.

The 16-member team of the Kripan Division, posted at Jalpaiguri’s Binnaguri, was flagged off by Maj. Gen. P.S. Bhalla, the general officer commanding of the division.

“The intention of the expedition is to promote national integrity and strengthen the close relationship the Indian Army shares with the residents,” Bhalla said. “It is a 21-day expedition during which the team will visit many historic sites on the India-China border.”

Most of the team members are from the 25 Punjab Regiment. They will start from the plains of Bengal and traverse the rugged terrain of Sikkim, before returning to the cantonment.

Led by an officer, the team comprises one junior commissioned officer and 14 personnel from different ranks. Today, they started by cycle for Kalimpong, 125km from Binnaguri via the Dooars route. From Kalimpong, they will ride motorcycles to enter Pankar in East Sikkim.

The team will reach Nathu-la at 14,200ft on the India-China border from Pankar via Thegu, army officials said.

On the return leg, the expedition team will come down to Jadong in North Sikkim and trek to Lachung from there, a distance of 23km.

From Lachung, the team will take four-wheelers to reach Gurdongmar Lake, at 17,200ft on the India-China border.