Humble Beginnings
Yuksam, a small hamlet in west Sikkim, has long been a popular base for trekkers and nature lovers up to Dzongri (4030m), Goecha-La (5002m) near Mt Khangchendzonga, the world's third highest mountain at (8586m). These treks also offer panoramic views of other snow-capped mountains such as Mt. Pandim, Mt. Kabur and Mt Narsing. Together with the area's heterogeneity in culture and tradition, rich biodiversity, scenic beauty and historic religious places like Norbu Gang and Dubdi Monastery, this area has become an attractive place for tourists.

Over time, this previously remote area of Sikkim gained prominence as tourism developed rapidly and the Indian government started to promote tourism in this part of the country.

As more and more visitors came to the area, the different impacts of tourism became visible. The pressure on the surrounding resources increased, more infrastructure demand led to depletion of the surrounding forests, garbage and litter began to be a problem in the trekking trails and campsites and different conflicts related with tourism began to manifest in their area.

There was a growing concern amongst the local community to do something to mitigate the various impacts of tourism and conserve the resources that attracted visitors to this area. Out of this shared concern, different stakeholders from the community came under one banner in the name of Khangchendzonga Conservation Committee (KCC).

Initial activities at the grass root level started from the beginning of 1996. Soon after, we were formally registered and recognized by the Government of Sikkim on 19th February 1997.

Who is in the KCC?
KCC is a community-based organisation in Yuksam, West Sikkim. This means that the organisation comprises representatives of the community (e.g. village heads) and stakeholders in tourism enterprises (such as hotels) who work together to

• Mitigate the negative impacts of tourism,
• Conserve natural and cultural resources,
• Provide training to community stakeholders,
• Educate visitors,
• Monitor resources, and
• Advocate for appropriate policy changes.