Gangtok, Dec. 19: In a bid to enhance camaraderie between the armies of India and Bhutan, a joint water-rafting and cycling expedition has been planned between December 24 and 31.

The event has been organised by the Indian Military Training Team in Bhutan with assistance from the Black Cat Division of the Indian Army stationed in the region.

The Phase I of the expedition will involve white water rafting on the Teesta from Burdang, located between Singtam and Rangpo in East Sikkim, to the Coronation Bridge near Sevoke in Siliguri, a distance of 58 km. Phase II requires the team to cycle from Coronation Bridge to the Bhutanese capital Thimphu, 348 km away.

The India-Bhutan expedition will be flagged off on December 23, 2006, at Gangtok from the Defence Auditorium complex at Tadong and will be flagged in at Thimphu on January 1, 2007, by the new Bhutan king, Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuk.

Three officers and 18 other ranks from both the countries will participate in the expedition. Personnel of the Eastern Command Aqua Node Teesta (Ecant), Burdang, has been given the responsibility of training the adventure team.

Ecant was established at Burdang in September 1998 under the aegis of the Black Cat Division. The Aqua Node imparts training in various adventure activities related to white water rafting, kayaking, mountain cycling and mountain running.

Some of the memorable joint expeditions conducted by Ecant include the India-Bhutan effort in December 2001 and the India-Bangladesh expedition in April 2003.

Besides, every year, Aqua Node Burdong conducts the mega triathlon event of the Eastern Command Adventure Cup.